New Quantum World

Author: Anthony He
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Quantum physics is the foundation of our current understanding of nature. "Quantum World" is a popular science book that introduces quantum physics without the need for mathematical thinking. So far, as the private domain of mathematicians and physicists, the perfection and importance of quantum mechanics have remained difficult to convey to non-professionals. However, its impact on the technological field has been tremendous. Modern electronics industry, based on silicon-based chips, has brought revolutionary changes to many aspects of modern life, all of which are based on our understanding of the quantum properties of semiconductors. Similarly, the emergence of thousands of types of laser devices originated from Albert Einstein's research on the interaction between atoms and light quanta. Other phenomena in broader fields, such as superconductivity and neutron stars, can also be explained by the same fundamental quantum mechanics theory. The founders of quantum mechanics, such as Prince Louis de Broglie, Erwin Schr?dinger, and Werner Heisenberg, initially proposed these challenging ideas to solve problems in atomic physics, but later found that these theories were equally effective in predicting the properties of tiny nuclear particles at the center of atoms. Quantum mechanics allows us to delve into the secrets of the universe and provides us with an unlimited energy supply in the form of nuclear energy, but at the same time, it also gives us a terrifying self-destructive capability in the form of nuclear weapons. This book explains what quantum mechanics is in a simple, non-mathematical way and is interspersed with numerous beautiful color and black-and-white photographs throughout the book, vividly showcasing different aspects of quantum phenomena. The book also includes many interesting anecdotes about these physicists who made significant contributions to the development of quantum mechanics. "Quantum World" is an engaging book on quantum mechanics that can be understood and benefited from by high school upper-grade students, general readers interested in science, and undergraduate and graduate students in science and engineering.