ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Nonlinear Schrödinger equation

The nonlinear Schrödinger equation is like a math puzzle that helps scientists study the behaviour of waves. Imagine a wave like a big ocean wave you might see at the beach. These waves are made up of smaller ripples that move up and down as the big wave moves forward.

The Schrödinger equation is a math formula that helps us understand how these waves behave. Scientists use this equation to study all sorts of waves, like light waves and sound waves. But sometimes, waves can be really complicated and change in strange ways.

That's where the nonlinear Schrödinger equation comes in. It's like a special version of the Schrödinger equation that helps us study really complicated waves.

Think of the big wave at the beach again. Imagine if suddenly, the wave started moving in a different direction or started changing its shape. That's the kind of thing that the nonlinear Schrödinger equation can help us figure out.

Scientists use this equation to study all sorts of things, from the way light moves through a crystal to the way sound travels through the air. It's a really important tool that helps us understand the world around us.