Antimatter: The Ultimate Mirror

by Gordon Fraser

Overview

This book introduces the world of antimatter without using technical language or equations. The author shows how the quest for symmetry in physics slowly revealed the properties of antimatter. When large particle accelerators came on line, the antimatter debris of collisions provided new clues on its properties. This is a fast-paced and lucid account of how science fiction became fact.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521893091
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/07/2002
Series:	Ultimate Mirror
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.06(w) x 8.94(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

Gordon Fraser works at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, Geneva, Switzerland, where he is Editor of CERN Courier, a monthly magazine covering all aspects of particle physics. He has been a Visiting Lecturer in Science Communication at several universities.

Table of Contents

1. Science fiction becomes science fact; 2. Mirror worlds; 3. An imbalanced kit of electrical parts; 4. The quantum master; 5. Positive proof; 6. The back passage of time; 7. The quark and the antiquark; 8. Broken mirrors; 9. The cosmic corkscrew; 10. Antiparticle collision course; 11. Setting a trap for antimatter; 12. Glue versus antichemistry; 13. Antimatter in action; 14. Antimatter of the utmost gravity.

Editorial Reviews

"...Fraser's absorbing narrative retraces the effort to unravel the structure of subatomic matter—and antimatter—from Planck, Einstein, Heisenberg and Dirac to Richard Feynman and Murray Gell-Mann; he imparts a keen sense of the colorful personalities and discoveries..." Publishers Weekly

"...an up-to-the-minute account of a developing field of knowledge. Recommended for those who want to know what is going on in this exciting area of physics." Choice

From the Publisher

In this first paperback edition, Fraser (European Laboratory for Particle Physics, Geneva, Switzerland) lucidly explains how Dirac's 1928 prediction of the existence of antimatter transformed science fiction into serious quantum science. Includes photos of leading scientists, centers, equipment, and results in the field. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)