Nobel Prize in Physics Winner: John Martinis on the State of Quantum

Quantum physics is one of science’s most successful theories, yet for nearly a century, physicists have avoided asking what it implies about reality itself. Science writer Adam Becker reveals the reason why: The dominant interpretation of the math underlying quantum physics arose from institutional pressure, political persecution, and the deliberate suppression of alternatives, not through valid scientific debate. In What Is Real?, Becker exposes how physicists abandoned their fundamental mission to understand reality and chose to sidestep quantum mechanics’ profound implications.

Our guide explores the scientific crisis that quantum mechanics created and the social pressures that determined how that crisis was “resolved.” We’ll examine Becker’s argument about how this debate connects to broader questions about scientific truth, and we’ll consider what happened when quantum technologies unearthed these long-buried foundational questions. Along the way, we’ll also examine quantum mechanics’ connections to everything from ancient philosophy to Hollywood blockbusters—and consider what it means to build quantum computers while still being confused about what quantum phenomena tell us about reality.

How much do you know about the universe you live in? Thanks to scientific discoveries of the twentieth century, scientists have gained insight into many of nature’s secrets, from the origin of the universe to the nature of space and time. In A Brief History of Time, physicist Stephen Hawking explains these insights for a general audience.

In this guide, we’ll present Hawking’s exposition of modern physics through the lens of five big questions that the book answers: Is reality relative or absolute? Is the future predetermined? How did the universe begin? What is the nature of a black hole? And can you build a time machine? Where applicable, we’ll also examine how Hawking’s assertions and predictions stack up to new data that scientists have collected since the book was published.

The science of physics studies many topics, from the gravity holding planets together to electromagnetism and the microscopic forces inside the heart of the atom. Each of these forces works by different rules, some of which contradict each other. For centuries, scientists have sought a single theory that would unify these disparate fields and provide one equation from which we can derive a complete understanding of the universe. In The God Equation, theoretical physicist Michio Kaku suggests that an approach called “string theory” may be the path to uniting all the different laws of nature.

In this guide, we’ll trace the history of discoveries that unify areas of knowledge and reveal the underlying symmetries of nature. We’ll delve into string theory and define terms and concepts to give readers an understanding of the topic. We’ll discuss research to support string theory’s claims, and we’ll touch on the philosophical implications that a theory of the universe entails.

Quantum physics is one of science’s most successful theories, yet for nearly a century, physicists have avoided asking what it implies about reality itself. Science writer Adam Becker reveals the reason why: The dominant interpretation of the math underlying quantum physics arose from institutional pressure, political persecution, and the deliberate suppression of alternatives, not through valid scientific debate. In What Is Real?, Becker exposes how physicists abandoned their fundamental mission to understand reality and chose to sidestep quantum mechanics’ profound implications.

Our guide explores the scientific crisis that quantum mechanics created and the social pressures that determined how that crisis was “resolved.” We’ll examine Becker’s argument about how this debate connects to broader questions about scientific truth, and we’ll consider what happened when quantum technologies unearthed these long-buried foundational questions. Along the way, we’ll also examine quantum mechanics’ connections to everything from ancient philosophy to Hollywood blockbusters—and consider what it means to build quantum computers while still being confused about what quantum phenomena tell us about reality.

The science of physics studies many topics, from the gravity holding planets together to electromagnetism and the microscopic forces inside the heart of the atom. Each of these forces works by different rules, some of which contradict each other. For centuries, scientists have sought a single theory that would unify these disparate fields and provide one equation from which we can derive a complete understanding of the universe. In The God Equation, theoretical physicist Michio Kaku suggests that an approach called “string theory” may be the path to uniting all the different laws of nature.

In this guide, we’ll trace the history of discoveries that unify areas of knowledge and reveal the underlying symmetries of nature. We’ll delve into string theory and define terms and concepts to give readers an understanding of the topic. We’ll discuss research to support string theory’s claims, and we’ll touch on the philosophical implications that a theory of the universe entails.

Award-winning scientist Richard Feynman is more commonly remembered for his colorful personality and quirky sense of humor than for his achievements in the world of theoretical physics. His scientific discoveries were merely one result of his lifelong love of learning, his spirit of adventure, and his determination to live life to its fullest. His memoir Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! demonstrates his drive to solve puzzles, his joy at new discoveries, and his sense of inquisitive delight.

In this guide, we’ll chart Feynman’s life from his college days to his years on the team that developed the atomic bomb, and finally to his academic career that led to his Nobel Prize. We’ll examine his values of curiosity, persistence, and scientific rigor while comparing Feynman’s personal philosophy with the writings of others on the scientific process, the value of education, and getting the most enjoyment out of life.

Quantum physics is one of science’s most successful theories, yet for nearly a century, physicists have avoided asking what it implies about reality itself. Science writer Adam Becker reveals the reason why: The dominant interpretation of the math underlying quantum physics arose from institutional pressure, political persecution, and the deliberate suppression of alternatives, not through valid scientific debate. In What Is Real?, Becker exposes how physicists abandoned their fundamental mission to understand reality and chose to sidestep quantum mechanics’ profound implications.

Our guide explores the scientific crisis that quantum mechanics created and the social pressures that determined how that crisis was “resolved.” We’ll examine Becker’s argument about how this debate connects to broader questions about scientific truth, and we’ll consider what happened when quantum technologies unearthed these long-buried foundational questions. Along the way, we’ll also examine quantum mechanics’ connections to everything from ancient philosophy to Hollywood blockbusters—and consider what it means to build quantum computers while still being confused about what quantum phenomena tell us about reality.

In November 2022, IBM unveiled its 433 qubit powerful Osprey processor, marking a significant step toward revolutionary quantum computing systems. Quantum computing promises to solve problems currently deemed insurmountable by classical computing, potentially leading to unprecedented scientific discoveries and technological advancements. But it could also threaten existing encryption systems and exacerbate digital divides.

Quantum error correction (QEC) could transform quantum computing from an expensive, impractical technology to an era-defining sci-fi wonder. Recent developments bring us closer to that breakthrough, with players like Google and IBM unveiling significant progress. In the next half-decade, we may see quantum computers capable of revolutionizing drug discovery, reshaping global power dynamics, and more.

In November 2022, IBM unveiled its 433 qubit powerful Osprey processor, marking a significant step toward revolutionary quantum computing systems. Quantum computing promises to solve problems currently deemed insurmountable by classical computing, potentially leading to unprecedented scientific discoveries and technological advancements. But it could also threaten existing encryption systems and exacerbate digital divides.

Quantum physics is one of science’s most successful theories, yet for nearly a century, physicists have avoided asking what it implies about reality itself. Science writer Adam Becker reveals the reason why: The dominant interpretation of the math underlying quantum physics arose from institutional pressure, political persecution, and the deliberate suppression of alternatives, not through valid scientific debate. In What Is Real?, Becker exposes how physicists abandoned their fundamental mission to understand reality and chose to sidestep quantum mechanics’ profound implications.

Our guide explores the scientific crisis that quantum mechanics created and the social pressures that determined how that crisis was “resolved.” We’ll examine Becker’s argument about how this debate connects to broader questions about scientific truth, and we’ll consider what happened when quantum technologies unearthed these long-buried foundational questions. Along the way, we’ll also examine quantum mechanics’ connections to everything from ancient philosophy to Hollywood blockbusters—and consider what it means to build quantum computers while still being confused about what quantum phenomena tell us about reality.