An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The suggestion by Louis de Broglie in 1924 whereby if → electromagnetic waves possess particle properties (→ particle nature), then it might be reasonable to suppose that material particles, such as → electrons, should possess wave properties (→ wave nature). The de Broglie hypothesis was based on the intuitive feeling that nature seems to have strong attachment to symmetry. In other words,
if radiation has particle-like properties, then material particles should possess wave-like properties. At the time no direct experimental evidence was present for the validity of this suggestion. The first confirmation of de Broglie’s hypothesis was provided by the → Davisson-Germer experiment. See also → wave-particle duality;

See also: → de Broglie equation; → hypothesis.