The Discovery of a New Quantum Theory

Eduardo R. Mucciolo

In this chapter we review the ideas and discoveries that lead to the development of quantum mechanics. Like other theories in physics, it was motivated by a series of experimental results that were at odds with the prevailing theories of the time. New concepts were introduced to explain those experiments, which in turn led to new experiments and more discoveries. Quantum mechanics took its current shape about 100 years ago and continues to provide a formidable framework for describing not only natural phenomena but also for leading us to new technologies, such as quantum information processing.

振一郎 朝永

Stephen Bruce Sontz

Richard DeWitt

The Copernican revolution of the 1500s and 1600s was in large part due to new theories and discoveries, which indicated that the general view of the universe – the more or less Aristotelian, teleological view – was no longer viable. This revolution eventually resulted in a substantially different view on the sort of universe we inhabit. New discoveries in recent years, involving Bell’s theorem, quantum theory, and the outcome of carefully designed and replicated experiments, strongly suggest that the general view of the universe we have had since the Copernican revolution is no longer viable. The main goals of this paper are (i) to present Bell’s theorem and the results of these recent experiments in a way accessible to a non-technical audience, and (ii) to explore the question of whether these new discoveries place us in a similar situation to that of our predecessors in the early years of the 1600s, or roughly, whether we are in the beginning stages of a modern Copernican revolution.

Nikola Šibalić, Charles S. Adams

History of discovery of quantum optics, packed with experimental observations, ever more comprehensive theories and proposals narrowing down the quantum in optics. All enabled with a constant stream of technologies allowing new experiments, up to the present moment. A number of important cross-field idea transfers between radio wave technology and optical technology are also highlighted.

H. T. Flint