"Real black magic calculus" is how Albert Einstein described quantum mechanics in a letter in 1925. Quantum mechanics is now rather more widely understood by physicists, but still many "outsiders" are unaware of what quantum mechanics is, how it has changed the course of development of physics and how it affects their everyday lives. This book gives a fascinating account of the evolution of the ideas and concepts of quantum theory and modern physics, written by an "insider" but aimed specifically at the general science reader. Many anecdotes from famous past physicists give an insight into their work and personalities. The many illustrations are an important and attractive feature of the book. Leonid Ponomarev is a leading theoretical physicist. His deep understanding of the subject is allied with his wide knowledge of history, literature and philosophy to produce this history of the development of modern physics and its impact on our lives.

The Quantum Dice

Science & Math

Ponomarev, L.I

Mathematics

Inst of Physics Pub Inc

Superfluidity and Superconductivity (Graduate Student Series in Physics)

For some time it has been recognized that there is a marked similarity between superfluid helium and superconductors. The chief characteristic of both is their ability to sustain particle currents at a constant velocity for long periods of time without any driving force. To describe the condensed particles in either system, this book uses a macroscopic wave function and aims to show how the macroscopic theories of liquid 4He and metallic superconductors can be developed in parallel. Throughout the book those features of the two systems that can be described from a common viewpoint are emphasized. Also included in the book are a chapter covering both experimental and theoretical work on superfluid 3He and pointing out the analogies with other superfluid systems, and a new chapter on ceramic superconductors or "high-temperature superconductors". The aim of the book is to give an up-to-date summary at the time of writing of the work that seems likely to be of continuing importance. The text is intended for use by postgraduate students beginning research in either experimental or theoretical low-temperature physics and it is also intended to be accessible to undergraduates taking specialist courses in low-temperature physics.

Tilley, David R

Tilley, John

Physics

We have seen remarkable progress in our detailed understanding of the physical world, from the smallest constituents of atoms to the remotest distances seen by telescopes. However, we have yet to explore the phenomenon of consciousness. Can physical things be conscious or is consciousness something else, forever outside the range of physics? And how does consciousness interact with physical things? A lively account of quantum theory and its puzzles, Conscious Mind in the Physical World examines two developments in particular that have altered the context of discussions about consciousness. One is computer technology, which allows us to make machines that can calculate at speeds far greater than the human brain, while the other is the study of the microscopic world. The book explores philosophical issues such as idealism and free will and speculates on the relationship of consciousness to quantum mechanics. This resource will stimulate physicists with an interest in philosophy, philosophers interested in physics, and anyone fascinated about the waking state of the mind.

Conscious Mind in the Physical World

Politics & Social Sciences

Squires, Euan J.

Philosophy

The subject of this book is the recovery of signals from noise in electronic instrumentation. The term "electronic instrumentation" is sometimes reserved for instruments such as the oscilloscope and testmeter which are used to measure specifically electrical variables. It should therefore be made clear that the scope of the book goes much beyond this and covers instrumentation for the measurement of any variable, whether electrical or not. The term "electronic" simply implies that electronic techniques are used in the process of measurement. The term "noise" also requires clarification. Until recently, it was used mainly to refer to random fluctuations such as white and 1/F noise. Now, the term is used to refer to almost any kind of unwanted signal in an electronic system. It is in the broader sense that the term is used in the title, since the recovery of the required signal from many kinds of unwanted signal is covered. These comprise offset, drift, random noise comprising white and 1/F noise, and interference. The text is intended for anyone who is involved in the development of electronic instrumentation.

Signal Recovery from Noise in Electronic Instrumentation

Wilmshurst, T. H.

Malcolm Lines sets out to investigate the relationship between the disciplines of physics and mathematics and the facts and coincidences behind scientific progress. With each chapter, he demonstrates how mathematics has provided the theoretical understanding which underpins physical experiment. Mathematics is the only science with a methodology based upon deductive logic, whereas physics is a quantitative science based upon experiment and observation, in which trial and error are inherent. Physics uses the most relevant mathematics, for example group theory, to explain the theoretical basis of the crystalline structure of solids, and time and time again a mathematical theorem, perhaps developed by an ancient Greek philosopher, is shown to be relevant to today's newly developed physical proof. Quoting from mathematicians such as Poincare and Euclid, physicists from Newton to Feynman, the links between the two disciplines are explored to provide an account of the twists and turns of scientific progress through the ages.

On the Shoulders of Giants

Lines, Malcolm E.

History & Philosophy

This text provides a description of the large range of techniques currently in use for the characterization of the microstructure of materials. The authors explain the interactions between various radiations of materials, and show how these interactions form the basis of specific evaluation and measurement methods. Sections of the book deal with basic science and technology, such as diffraction laws and vacuum techniques. The characterization techniques are divided on the basis of the interrogation radiation source. Computer applications in instrument control, data acquisition and analysis are discussed, together with simulation techniques.

Physical Methods for Materials Characterisation (Graduate Student Series in Materials Science and Engineering)

Wild, R.K.

Flewitt, P. E. J.

Technology

"Real black magic calculus" is how Albert Einstein described quantum mechanics in a letter in 1925. Quantum mechanics is now rather more widely understood by physicists, but still many "outsiders" are unaware of what quantum mechanics is, how it has changed the course of development of physics and how it affects their everyday lives. This book gives a fascinating account of the evolution of the ideas and concepts of quantum theory and modern physics, written by an "insider" but aimed specifically at the general science reader. Many anecdotes from famous past physicists give an insight into their work and personalities. The many illustrations are an important and attractive feature of the book. Leonid Ponomarev is a leading theoretical physicist. His deep understanding of the subject is allied with his wide knowledge of history, literature and philosophy to produce this history of the development of modern physics and its impact on our lives.

Neutrons, Nuclei and Matter: An Exploration of the Physics of Slow Neutrons

Designed in self-contained sections, this text sets out the elementary properties of the neutron and its interactions, providing a discussion of neutron scattering in materials. It concludes with a description of the fundamental role of neutrons in particle physics and its potential for developing physics beyond the Standard Model. Topics are introducted at a basic level, and then developed systematically. There is an extensive list of references.

Byrne, J.

Demonstrating Science With Soap Films

This text attempts to pass on some of the fun which can be obtained from studying soap films and soap bubbles. At the same time, it has a much more serious objective, that of using films to help readers to understand the principles of physics in particular and other aspects of science in general. This book is not only about soap films, but also about the importance of energy minimization to the establishment of the world around us, and the patterns that are set up as a result of this minimization. In most topics in the physical sciences, it is difficult to avoid mathematics. The study of soap films is no exception, and simple calculations and algebraic equations have been dispersed throughout this book. Where the account of mathematics is more significant, the relevant section of text is boxed and can be ignored by the reader, if desired.

Lovett, D.R.

Chemistry

Super-Radiance: Multiatomic Coherent Emmission (Optics and Optoelectronics Series)

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Inst of Physics Pub Inc publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Inst of Physics Pub Inc

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Inst of Physics Pub Inc publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Quantum Dice

Superfluidity and Superconductivity (Graduate Student Series in Physics)

Conscious Mind in the Physical World

Signal Recovery from Noise in Electronic Instrumentation

On the Shoulders of Giants

Physical Methods for Materials Characterisation (Graduate Student Series in Materials Science and Engineering)

The Quantum Dice

Neutrons, Nuclei and Matter: An Exploration of the Physics of Slow Neutrons

Demonstrating Science With Soap Films

Super-Radiance: Multiatomic Coherent Emmission (Optics and Optoelectronics Series)