The New Physics is a sweeping survey of developments in physics up to the present day. All of the major topics at the frontiers of the subject have been covered in this collection of reviews. Whether the reader wants to know about the ultimate building blocks of matter; the structure, origin and evolution of the Universe; quantum gravity; low temperature physics; optics and lasers; chaos or quantum mechanics; this widely acclaimed book contains a clear explanation by one of the top scientists working in the field. Aimed at scientists and laymen alike, the articles are profusely illustrated throughout with colour photographs and clear explanatory diagrams, and have been meticulously edited to ensure they will appeal to a wide range of readers. In this single volume, Paul Davies, renowned for his ability to communicate advanced topics to the non-specialist, has gathered an exciting collection of reviews by many of the world's top physicists.
• Paperback edition of our best-selling general physics book of recent years • Still 98% up to date • Brilliantly illustrated in full colour throughout • Includes articles by the most renowned physicists of our day
Contents
Preface; 1. The New Physics: a synthesis; 2. The renaissance of general relativity; 3. The inflationary universe; 4. The edge of spacetime; 5. Quantum gravity; 6. The new astrophysics; 7. Condensed matter physics in less than three dimensions; 8. Critical point phenomena: universal physics at large length scales; 9. Low temperature physics, superconductivity and superfluidity; 10. Quantum optics; 11. Physics of far-from-equilibrium systems and self-organisation; 12. What is chaos, that we should be mindful of it?; 13. Conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics; 14. The quark structure of matter; 15. Grand unified theories; 16. Effective quantum field theories; 17. Gauge theories in particle physics; 18. Overview of particle physics; Glossary; Index.
Reviews
‘The very people who are busy creating the new physics carry the reader out to the growing edge of modern science. It is an exciting trip. The New Physics is an ambitious attempt to make the frontiers of this science accessible to a wider audience. This book succeeds admirably in this goal. I know of no better one-volume guide to the edges of modern physics.’ Nick Herbert, New Scientist
‘This is an attractively presented book, but it is one to be read and thought about rather than merely looked at. Non-scientists will get a good sense of some of the new ideas, and scientists - physicists included - can learn how very far physics has extended its dominion.’ J. H. Mulvey, Nature
‘ … a first-class book, conveying a real sense of current research.’ Observatory
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