Quantum theory, the most successful physical theory of all time, provoked intense debate between the twentieth century's two greatest physicists, Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein. Quantum information theory has emerged from intensive study of the structure and interpretation of quantum theory to become one of the fastest growing areas of twenty-first century science. This second edition has been extensively revised and updated to cover recent developments, including the findings of papers published since the well-received first edition. A substantial new chapter is devoted to the development and structure of quantum information theory. Developments in the experimental and theoretical study of Bell's Theorem are also covered in detail, and the accounts of ongoing work have been brought up to date. A fascinating account of the development of quantum theory, this book will appeal to anyone with an interest in the fundamental questions of physics, its philosophy and its history.
Quantum theory, the most successful physical theory of all time, provoked intense debate between the twentieth century's two greatest physicists, Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein. Quantum information theory has emerged from intensive study of the structure and interpretation of quantum theory to become one of the fastest growing areas of twenty-first century science. This second edition has been extensively revised and updated to cover recent developments, including the findings of papers published since the well-received first edition. A substantial new chapter is devoted to the development and structure of quantum information theory. Developments in the experimental and theoretical study of Bell's Theorem are also covered in detail, and the accounts of ongoing work have been brought up to date. A fascinating account of the development of quantum theory, this book will appeal to anyone with an interest in the fundamental questions of physics, its philosophy and its history.
1. Bohr and Einstein: Einstein and Bohr; 2. The peace before the quantum; 3. A glance at relativity; 4. The slow rise of the quantum; 5. Bohr: what does it all mean?; 6. Einstein's negative views; 7. Bohm, Bell and experimental philosophy; 8. A round-up of recent developments; 9. Quantum information theory - an introduction; 10. Bohr or Einstein?; References; Bibliography.
A fascinating account of the development of quantum theory and emergence of quantum information theory.
Andrew Whitaker is Professor of Physics at Queen's University Belfast. His main interests are the foundations of Quantum Theory and also the history and philosophy of Quantum Theory.
From reviews of the first edition: 'This book is a potential block-buster. Written in a nice style, structured like a popular lecture, its language is lucid and the contents well selected ... it has the most thorough coverage and clear explanation of classical physics that I have read for a long time ... It has additonally the advantages of being well-researched, with the latest available material ... and written by a first rate physicist with excellent communication skills.' Samar Jha, The Statesman 'Whitaker's book is admirably clear and deceptively simple: he has a real knack of describing difficult ideas in an accessible form. He is up-to-date, never descends to the facile level so often adopted by writers of introductory books, and what's more, has provided a thorough bibliography so that the really interested reader can find the original treatment. I recommend this book not only for students but for anyone with an interest in fundamental issues in physics.' P. L. Knight, Journal of Modern Optics 'I most strongly recommend this book to anyone - lay person, student and professional alike - interested in the foundations of our candidate for the fundamental theory of physics (quantum mechanics).' James T. Cushing, The Times Higher Education Supplement 'Whitaker takes us all the way from the 19th century classical world inherited from Newton and Maxwell, through the quantum revolution and all the way to the present day ideas of quantum information. ... a remarkable testament to Whitaker's scholarship, enthusiasm for his subject and to his skill as a writer. His book can be recommended strongly to anyone who is interest in the development of quantum theory or, indeed, to our current understanding of the physical world. ... For researchers in quantum mechanics there is a wide-ranging and informative discussion and analysis, complete with an extensive bibliography. I shall return to it often.' Contemporary Physics
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