The Quantum Age

As the title suggests, we are now unequivocally living in the quantum age. Even so, it is astonishing to learn that technology based on quantum physics now accounts for 30% of US GDP. This is because quantum physics underpins all our electronic devices as well as lasers, superconductors, MRI scanners and the prospect of magnetic levitating trains. The author takes us on a tour of the history, concepts and applications of quantum physics explaining the key players and episodes in a highly readable fashion. He has a specific chapter on Feynman and quantum electrodynamics as well as chapters on light and non-locality. As I imagine is the case with many other readers, I was unaware of the role of Joseph Swan in developing the light bulb. The work of Brian Josephson is described in some detail with the usual sideswipe about his interest (wide-eyed acceptance!) in the paranormal, described as time-wasting fruitloopery - this just betrays author's own ignorance of the field. Needless to say, laser weapons were developed as a result of quantum technology, which brings one back to Albert Schweitzer's Nobel peace prize address on the need for humans to develop a real sense of common humanity. The last chapter sums up the impact of quantum technologies while acknowledging that it is still just a highly successful theory.