What Next for Modern Physics?

John C. Morrison

Marcin Niemiec, Andrzej Dziech, Miłosz Stypiński +1 more

Quantum physics influences modern computer science and communications.We observe new quantum-based solutions which are being implemented in practical networks.This article introduces these techniques and explains how they can change the next-generation Internet and communication.The basics of quantum mechanics and such effects as birefringence and entanglement are briefly introduced.Next, the most popular quantum-based solutions which are good candidates for modern services in the next-generation Internet are described.The quantum key distribution process, as well as the idea and validation of a quantitative approach to security in quantum cryptography, are presented.In addition to security methods, quantum-based solutions for data processing and transmission are explained: superdense coding, the medium access control protocol with quantum entanglement and the idea of quantum computing.The final section concludes the article and indicates current initiatives and future directions.

Samuel K. K. Blankson

Dainis Zeps

In his excellent book (Smolin, 2006) Lee Smolin speaks about crisis in physics, blaming mainly string theory. We argue that modern physics should change its attitude towards what is called observer, but should be called cognitive machine or rather two distinctively different, inner and outer, cognitive machines.

Luca Salasnich

Paul F David Buckley Peat

Originally published in 1979. This reprints the revised and expanded edition of 1996. In this volume, physicists, biologists and chemists, who have been involved in some of the most exciting discoveries in modern scientific thought explore issues which have shaped modern physics and which hint at what may form the next scientific revolution. The major issues discussed are the understanding of time and space, quantum and relativity theories and recent attempts to unite them and related questions in theoretical biology.