The Quantum Age: How the Physics of the Very Small has Transformed Our Lives

by Brian Clegg

Overview

The stone age, the iron age, the steam and electrical ages all saw the reach of humankind transformed by new technology. Now we are living in the quantum age, a revolution in everyday life led by our understanding of the very, very small.

Quantum physics lies at the heart of every electronic device from smartphones to lasers; quantum superconductors allow levitating trains and MRI scanners, while superfast, ultra-secure quantum computers may soon be a reality. Yet quantum particles such as atoms, electrons and photons remain mysterious, acting totally unlike the objects we experience directly.

With his trademark clarity and enthusiasm, acclaimed popular science author Brian Clegg reveals the amazing world of the quantum that lies all around us.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781848318465
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing
Publication date:	06/04/2015
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	3.11(w) x 3.11(h) x 0.39(d)

About the Author

Science writer Brian Clegg studied physics at Cambridge University and specialises in making the strangest aspects of the universe, from infinity to time travel and quantum theory, accessible to the general reader. He is editor of www.popularscience.co.uk and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. His previous books include Inflight Science, The Universe Inside You, Dice World and Introducing Infinity: A Graphic Guide.|Science writer Brian Clegg studied physics at Cambridge University and specialises in making the strangest aspects of the universe, from infinity to time travel and quantum theory, accessible to the general reader. He is editor of www.popularscience.co.uk and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. His previous books include Inflight Science, Build Your Own Time Machine, The Universe Inside You and Dice World.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements vi

Introduction 1

1 Enter the quantum 5

2 Quantum nature 29

3 The electron's realm 45

4 QED 79

5 Light and magic 113

6 Super beams 127

7 Making light work 151

8 Resistance is futile 173

9 Floating trains and well-chilled SQUIDs 191

10 Spooky entanglement 209

11 From bit to qubit 225

12 It's alive! 251

13 A quantum universe 263

Index 277