Erik Verlinde

Erik Verlinde
Erik Verlinde in 2009
Born
Erik Peter Verlinde

(1962-01-21) 21 January 1962 (age 62)
NationalityDutch
Alma materUtrecht University
Known forVerlinde algebra
Matrix string theory
Entropic gravity
Emergent gravity
AwardsSpinoza Prize (2011)
Scientific career
FieldsTheoretical physics
Institutions
ThesisConformal field theory and its application to strings (1988)
Doctoral advisorBernard de Wit
Doctoral studentsMiranda Cheng

Erik Peter Verlinde (Dutch: [ˈeːrɪk ˈpeːtər vərˈlɪndə]; born 21 January 1962) is a Dutch theoretical physicist and string theorist. He is the identical twin brother of physicist Herman Verlinde. The Verlinde formula, which is important in conformal field theory and topological field theory, is named after him. His research deals with string theory, gravity,[1] black holes and cosmology. Currently,[2] he works at the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Amsterdam.

At a symposium at the Dutch Spinoza-institute on December 8, 2009 he introduced a theory of entropic gravity. In this theory, gravity exists because of a difference in concentration of information in the empty space between two masses and its surroundings; he also extrapolates this to general relativity and quantum mechanics. He said in an interview with the newspaper de Volkskrant,[3] "On the smallest level Newton's laws don't apply, but they do for apples and planets. You can compare this to the pressure of a gas. Molecules themselves don't have any pressure, but a barrel of gas has." It appears that Verlinde's approach to explaining gravity leads naturally to the correct observed strength of dark energy.[4]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference BT-2190814 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "University of Amsterdam homepage". 14 January 2020.
  3. ^ "De Volkskrant 27 January 2010" (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 11 November 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2011.
  4. ^ Koelman, Johannes. "It from bit: how to get rid of dark energy". Archived from the original on 19 January 2010. Retrieved 20 August 2011.