Quantum Physics, Mini Black Holes, and the Multiverse , Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2018
Debunking Common Misconceptions in Theoretical Physics
Multiversal Journeys Series

"Modern physics is rife with provocative and fascinating ideas, from quantum mechanics to the multiverse. But as interesting as these concepts are, they are also easy to understand. This book, written with deft hands by true experts in the field, helps to illuminate some of the most important and game-changing ideas in physics today."

                                                                                                 Sean M. Carroll

"The Multiversal book series is equally unique, providing book-length extensions of the lectures with enough additional depth for those who truly want to explore these fields, while also providing the kind of clarity that is appropriate for interested lay people to grasp the general principles involved. "  

                                                                                                Lawrence M. Krauss

This book explores, explains and debunks some common misconceptions about quantum

physics, particle physics, space-time, and Multiverse cosmology. It seeks to separate

science from pseudoscience.

The material is presented in layperson-friendly language, followed by additional technical

sections which explain basic equations and principles. This feature is very attractive

to non-expert readers who nevertheless seek a deeper understanding of the theories,

and wish to explore beyond just the basic description.

Multiversal Journeys? is a trademark of Farzad Nekoogar and Multiversal Journeys, a

501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.

Preface

Chapter 1       Misconceptions about Space-Time and Particle Physics

1.1       Introduction

1.2       Particles are little balls

1.3       Atoms are tiny Solar Systems

1.4       Seeing atoms requires a really big optical microscope

1.5       Collider spawns planet devouring black hole

1.6       God particle could wipe out the Universe

1.7       LHC could prove existence of parallel Universe

1.8       Scientists raise concerns about cell-phones

1.9       The cold fusion race just heated up

1.10      Spinach: a cautionary tale

1.11      Extra material: The equations behind the words

1.12     Summary

Chapter 2       Misconceptions in Quantum Physics

2.1       Introduction

                        What the experts say

                        Why quantum physics is weird

                        What is the real role of science?

2.2       Wave Particle Duality

2.3       Quantum Probability Waves

2.4       Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

2.5       Double Slit Experiment

                        Single slit experiment (classical)

                        Single slit experiment (quantum)

                        Double slit experiment (classical)

                        Double slit experiment (quantum)

2.6       Wavefunction Revisited

                        Many particle wavefunctions

                        Wavefunction measurement (quantum tomography, weak measurement)

                        Collapse and Schrödinger’s cat

2.7       Nonlocality

                        Hidden variables

                        Bell’s theorem

                        EPR experiment as a quantum coin toss game

2.8       Interpretations of Quantum Physics

2.9       Popular Depictions of Quantum Physics

2.10     Summary

Chapter 3       Misconceptions in Cosmology

3.1       Introduction

3.2       Our Universe

3.3       The Multiverse

3.3       Future Progress (Observations & Theoretical)

3.4       Summary

Glossary

About the Authors

Professor John Terning is a Professor of Physics at University of California, Davis. He received his Ph.D. from University of Toronto and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale University. He was also a researcher at Boston University, University of California, Berkeley and Harvard University. Professor Terning was a staff member at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. John Terning’s research Interests include theoretical particle physics, electroweak symmetry breaking, supersymmetry, cosmology, extra dimensions, and AdS/CFT correspondence. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and his research papers have over eight thousand citations.   

Professor L. William Poirier is Chancellor’s Council Distinguished Research Professor and also Barnie E. Rushing Jr. Distinguished Faculty Member at Texas Tech University, in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and also the Department of Physics. He received his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a chemistry research associateship at the University of Chicago. He is also the recipient of a DoE Early Career Award, and the TTU Tribute to Teachers Award. His research interest lies in understanding and solving the Schroedinger equation of quantum mechanics, from both foundational and practical perspectives. In 2009, he developed a new theory of quantum mechanics without wavefunctions, together with an interpretation that has now come to be known as “many interacting worlds.” He is also the recent author of A Conceptual Guide to Thermodynamics (Wiley, 2014).

Professor Yasunori Nomura is director of the Berkeley Center for Theoretical Physics. He received his Ph.D from University of Tokyo in 2000. After serving as a Miller research fellow at University of California, Berkeley and as an Associate Scientist at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, he was appointed to the faculty of Universit

Seeks to clarify some common public misconceptions about particle physics, quantum physics, and cosmology

Uses non-technical language to address each topic, yet includes sections with sufficient technical depth for the interested reader

Written by leading experts in the fields of theoretical physics and cosmology, currently active in research