Quantum 2.0: The Past, Present, and Future of Quantum Physics (Pelican Books) - Hardcover

Davies, Paul

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0241655803 ISBN 13: 9780241655801

Publisher: Pelican, 2025

Synopsis

How did a radical new theory of nature – quantum mechanics – revolutionize our world?
Where might it take us next?
And why do we still not understand it?

In this exhilarating and sometimes mind-bending book, renowned scientist and author Paul Davies tells the gripping story of how, beginning with an iconic mathematical equation in the 1920s, a radical new theory of nature – quantum mechanics – burst upon the modern world, and how today we are on the cusp of the second great quantum technology revolution.

Quantum 2.0 reveals how exotic states of matter that have no counterpart in the everyday world are being harnessed to enable forms of teleportation and ‘spooky’ telepathic links between remote places. Powerful new tools such as quantum computers, quantum cryptography and the quantum internet have attracted billions of dollars of investments, triggering a frantic quantum arms race. And appearing on the horizon is the most awesome and game-changing prospect of all – quantum AI.

Yet underpinning this dazzling promise lies a paradox. Although quantum mechanics is the most successful scientific theory ever, quantum systems possess properties that defy intuition and shred everyday notions of reality. Albert Einstein could never quite believe it. And decades after Erwin Schrödinger introduced his famous cat paradox, scientists are still divided over how to make sense of the weird quantum realm, one where ghostly quantum particles produce tiny forces in nanotechnology, cause black holes to evaporate – and may even be making the universe expand faster and faster. Indeed, cosmologists believe, the imprint of a quantum process remains etched into the afterglow of the big bang.

Quantum 2.0 takes the reader gently from the basic concepts to the cutting edge, inviting us all to peek into the new wonderland of quantum physics and glimpse its stunning implications.

About this title

About the Author

Paul Davies is a Regents' Professor of Physics and Director of the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science at Arizona State University. The bestselling author of some thirty books, his many awards include the Templeton Prize and the Faraday Prize of the Royal Society. He is a Member of the Order of Australia and has an asteroid named after him.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pelican
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0241655803
• ISBN 13: 9780241655801
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320