Quantum Universe; The Revolution in 21st Century Particle Physics

Department of Energy and National Science Foundation, High Energy Physics Advisory Panel, Quantum Universe Committee

Published by DOE/NSF High Energy Physics Advisory Panel, Washington DC, 2004

About this Item

v, [1], 50 pages. Illustrations (most with color). Facilities Glossary. Cover has slight wear and soiling. What does "Quantum Universe" mean? To discover what the universe is made of and how it works is the challenge of particle physics. Quantum Universe presents the quest to explain the universe in terms of quantum physics, which governs the behavior of the microscopic, subatomic world. It describes a revolution in particle physics and a quantum leap in our understanding of the mystery and beauty of the universe. Particle physics (also high energy physics) is the branch of physics that studies the nature of the particles that constitute matter and radiation. Although the word "particle" can refer to various types of very small objects (e.g. protons, gas particles, or even household dust), "particle physics" usually investigates the irreducibly smallest detectable particles and the fundamental interactions necessary to explain their behavior. These elementary particles are excitations of the quantum fields that also govern their interactions. The currently dominant theory explaining these fundamental particles and fields, along with their dynamics, is called the Standard Model. Modern particle physics generally investigates the Standard Model and its possible extensions, e.g. to the newest "known" particle, the Higgs boson, or even to the oldest known force field, gravity. In the last 30 years, physicists have achieved a profound understanding of the fundamental particles and the physical laws that govern matter, energy, space and time. Researchers have subjected this 'Standard Model' to countless experimental tests; and, again and again, its predictions have held true. The series of experimental and theoretical breakthroughs that combined to produce the Standard Model can truly be celebrated as one of the great scientific triumphs of the 20th century. Now, in a development that some have compared to Copernicus's recognition that the earth is not the center of the solar system, startling new data have revealed that only five percent of the universe is made of normal, visible matter described by the Standard Model. Ninety-five percent of the universe consists of dark matter and dark energy whose fundamental nature is a mystery. The Standard Model's orderly and elegant view of the universe must be incorporated into a deeper theory that can explain the new phenomena. The result will be a revolution in particle physics as dramatic as any that have come before. Nine interrelated questions define the path ahead.1. Are there undiscovered principles of nature: new symmetries, new physical laws?2. How can we solve the mystery of dark energy?3. Are there extra dimensions of space?4. Do all forces become one?5. Why are there so many kinds of particles?6. What is dark matter? How can we make it in the laboratory?7. What are neutrinos telling us?8. How did the universe come to be?9. What happened to the antimatter? Seller Inventory # 73750

Bibliographic Details

Title: Quantum Universe; The Revolution in 21st ...

Publisher: DOE/NSF High Energy Physics Advisory Panel, Washington DC

Publication Date: 2004

Binding: Wraps

Condition: Very good

Edition: Presumed First Edition, First printing.