Quantum Physics

Quantum Physics

negative energy
Quantum mechanics has taught us that even empty space contains energy. "Negative energy" is the state of having less energy than empty space.
For nearly a century, physicists have argued over how to interpret quantum physics. But reality exists independent of any interpretation.
proton internal structure
Every proton contains three quarks: two up and one down. But charm quarks, heavier than the proton itself, have been found inside. How?
Light carries with it the secrets of reality in ways we cannot completely understand.
The science fiction dream of a traversable wormhole is no closer to reality, despite a quantum computer's suggestive simulation.
antimatter
The answer to this question is key to understanding why anything exists.
a black and white photo of a man sitting at a desk.
The quantum world is one in which rules that are completely foreign to our everyday experience dictate bizarre behavior.
We are not yet at the point where quantum communications can be deployed to secure the internet, but we might not be far off. 
Einstein always loses in the quantum realm.
connected entangled pair
They say that nobody understands quantum mechanics. But thanks to these three pioneers in quantum entanglement, perhaps we do.
From the tiniest subatomic scales to the grandest cosmic ones, solving any of these puzzles could unlock our understanding of the Universe.
heavy neutral atom
No matter how good our measurement devices get, certain quantum properties always possess an inherent uncertainty. Can we figure out why?
schwinger effect
In our common experience, you can't get something for nothing. In the quantum realm, something really can emerge from nothing.
If your computer crashes, it might be due to a star that exploded somewhere in the Universe millions of years ago.
existential physics
In special relativity, the statement that two events happened at the same time is meaningless.
The anthropic principle has fascinating scientific uses, where the simple fact of our existence holds deep physical lessons. Don't abuse it!
multiverse
The false assumption the Multiverse relies on is that something which exists requires an explanation.
lasers
Lasers are all around you. This ubiquitous technology came from our understanding of quantum physics.
LHC insides
The way to understand the earliest moments of creation is to recreate those conditions and study them. Why would we stop now?
fireworks
From the explosions themselves to their unique and vibrant colors, the fireworks displays we adore require quantum physics.
Higgs boson
On July 4, we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the discovery of the Higgs boson, the missing piece of the Standard Model of particle physics.
multiverse
There is nothing more important to science than its ability to prove ideas wrong.
parallel universe
Humans who've lived through the same events often remember them differently. Could quantum physics be responsible?
Illustration of a black hole in space with a glowing accretion disk and a stream of stars or gas being pulled toward it.
According to renowned physicist Christophe Galfard, physics can’t explain our universe - yet.
John Templeton Foundation
black hole spacetime
Everything is made of matter, not antimatter, including black holes. If antimatter black holes existed, what would they do?
Time isn't the same for everyone, even on Earth. Flying around the world gave Einstein the ultimate test. No one is immune from relativity.