The abbreviation here has a double meaning– both “Open Access” and “Operator Algebra.” In my Quantum Optics class yesterday, I was talking about how to describe “coherent states” in the photon number state formalism. Coherent states are the best quantum description of a classical light field– something like a laser, which behaves very much as… Continue reading Adventures in OA
Category: Physics
Hey to Blind Brook High School, Hickory High School, and Terrill Middle School
It’s Adopt-a-Physicist time again, and I’ve been “adopted” by three classes: Susan Kelly’s class at Blind Brook High School in Rye, NY; Lisa Edwards’s class at Hickory High School in Hickory, NC (insert your own Hoosiers joke); and Suprit Dharmi’s class at Terrill Middle School in Scotch Plains, NJ. So here’s a shout-out to all… Continue reading Hey to Blind Brook High School, Hickory High School, and Terrill Middle School
Many Worlds, Many Comics
The Digital Cuttlefish looks at the Archie comics, and waxes poetic: Two paths play out in a comic book, When Archie walks down memory lane “The road not taken” is the hook; So now, the writers take a look And re-write Archie’s life again, This time with Betty as his bride; Veronica the woman spurned,… Continue reading Many Worlds, Many Comics
Where I’m Going to Be
In the last couple of weeks, I have suddenly acquired a rather full travel schedule for the coming months. The odd thing is that none of these trips are book-publicity junkets– they’re all basically professional-type appearances, several of them taking place before How to Teach Physics to Your Dog hits stores on December 22. My… Continue reading Where I’m Going to Be
Dorky Poll: The Speed of Light
Inspired by yesterday’s post about the speed of light, a poll about c: What do you think of the speed of light?(surveys) So, how do you feel about the speed of light?
DonorsChoose Payoff: Faster Light
A couple of days ago, I answered a question from a donor to the Uncertain Principles challenge page in this year’s Social Media Challenge (we’ve raised $1,807 thus far– thank you all). If you’d like a question of your own answered on the blog, all you need to do is send me the confirmation email… Continue reading DonorsChoose Payoff: Faster Light
Dorky Poll: Photon Operators
Prompted by working on lecture notes for Quantum Optics last night, a Dorky Poll about the mathematical formalism of photon number states What’s your favorite photon operator?(polls) I know it’s hard to pick, but choose only one.
DonorsChoose Payoff: Duality and Self-Promotion
We’re six days into the DonorsChoose challenge, and at the time of this writing, ten people have contributed just over $1,700 to the Uncertain Principles challenge entry. That’s an impressive average, and I thank you all for your generosity. I also offered a number of incentives, and Lauren Uroff is claiming one: I’d like to… Continue reading DonorsChoose Payoff: Duality and Self-Promotion
Nobel for High-Speed Internet and Digital Cameras
The sneaky folks at the Nobel Foundation have thrown a spanner in the works when it comes to the Physics prize. All the speculation has surrounded exotic quantum effects and theoretical esoterica, and they turn around and give it to something –gasp– practical… The 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics is split three ways: half to… Continue reading Nobel for High-Speed Internet and Digital Cameras
Publishers Weekly on How to Teach Physics to Your Dog
In this week’s issue of Publishers Weekly there’s a short review (scroll down) of How to Teach Physics to Your Dog (which will be released December 22): How to Teach Physics to Your Dog Chad Orzel. Scribner, $24 (288p) ISBN 978-1-4165-7228-2 What do dog treats and chasing squirrels have to do with quantum mechanics? Much… Continue reading Publishers Weekly on How to Teach Physics to Your Dog