Composing for an Ensemble of Atoms: The Metamorphosis of Scientific Experiment into Music*

Quantum Mechanics states a particle can behave as either a particle or a wave. Since sound can be described as a superposition of frequencies, a metaphor between ‘particle physics’ and sound synthesis is inspired. This metaphor is quantitatively developed here, suggested initially from a few similarities between the two disparate domains. Its practical use for music composition is discussed. Within these methods the distinctions between science and art are blurred, and scientific experiment becomes musical composition. The author discusses the process of using a simulated ‘atom trap’ to compose a piece that doesn't require a physicist to appreciate. The methods do require the composer to be trained in physical principles. It is only a matter of time before a real system of particles could be used—the particle accelerator will become an expressive musical instrument, and the particle physicist will become the composerscientist.