Quantum 2.0 - by Paul Davies (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Quantum computers, quantum cryptography, and even quantum AI--a century after the discovery of an unexpected physical world, researchers are putting this puzzling science to work in dazzling new ways.

In this exhilarating and mind-bending book, renowned scientist and author Paul Davies offers readers a glimpse of how quantum physics has led to a quantum technology revolution. Quantum 2.0 reveals how today's brightest minds are harnessing exotic states of matter that have no counterpart in everyday life. Specifically, all eyes are on entanglement, called "spooky" by Einstein, which links the activities of separated particles even across vast distances.

By manipulating these weird properties of atoms, electrons, and photons, scientists are driving the burgeoning field of "quantum information science," featuring new tools such as quantum computers, quantum cryptography, and the quantum internet. In turn, their efforts have attracted billions of dollars in investments and triggered a frantic quantum arms race between nations. At the same time, theorists are taking a closer look at quantum systems themselves, which possess properties that defy intuition and shred everyday notions of reality. Davies explains how researchers, including himself, are wrestling with quantum theory to make sense of this realm, where ghostly quantum particles produce tiny forces in nanotechnology, cause black holes to evaporate, and may even contribute to the universe's accelerating expansion. A trusted guide, Davies takes readers from the basic concepts to today's cutting edge, inviting us all to glimpse the wonderland of quantum physics and its stunning implications.

Review Quotes

"Quantum 2.0 is eminently readable--an impressive feat in itself. I really enjoyed it. Davies has done a great job of conveying how unfamiliar the quantum world can be and how unexpected. And he's done so without equations!"--Vinton Cerf, internet pioneer and computer scientist

"Brilliantly vivid. . . . Elegant and lucid."-- "The Guardian, on Davies's "The Demon in the Machine""

"Compelling. . . . Davies excels in succinctly addressing the big intangibles."-- "Forbes, on Davies's "What's Eating the Universe?""

"One of the most imaginative scientists working today."-- "Financial Times, on Davies's "The Demon in the Machine""

"We cannot help but be amazed."-- "The Wall Street Journal, on Davies's "What's Eating the Universe?""

"With beautiful, immaculate prose, Davies takes on the formidable task of describing 'the most successful scientific theory in history, ' which underpins every aspect of the physical sciences and has gifted our technological world of human endeavor with transformative applications. The result is a remarkable book that is destined to make a significant impact."--Simon Mitton, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge, coauthor of "Vera Rubin: A Life"

"You won't find a clearer, more engaging guide to what we know (or would like to know) about the universe and how it is put together."--Bill Bryson, on Davies's "What's Eating the Universe?"

About the Author

Paul Davies is a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, astrobiologist, broadcaster, and best-selling author. A winner of the prestigious Templeton Prize, he is Regents' Professor of Physics and director of the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science at Arizona State University. He is the author, most recently, of What's Eating the Universe? and Other Cosmic Questions, also published by the University of Chicago Press.