General · Language · Problem

How dark is the universe – optically?

How dark is the universe? Optically – for visible light. Far away from star light and reflected dust. Here’s an interesting perspective on electromagnetic (EM) cosmic energy density – just for optical wavelengths. And without any clarification of fuzzy bounds for a galaxy’s reach. The entire electromagnetic spectrum is another story. • Live Science >… Continue reading How dark is the universe – optically?

General · Media · Problem

Island universe RIP – impact of awe-inspiring scales?

Thinking of the latest announcements for Nobel prizes: physics, chemistry, peace … Can the mind-boggling, awe-inspiring scale of the universe improve the odds of our collective survival? An expanding overview effect? “I believe our future depends powerfully on how well we understand this Cosmos in which we float like a mote of dust in the… Continue reading Island universe RIP – impact of awe-inspiring scales?

General · Language · Problem

Does antimatter ‘fall’ the same as matter? – QFT and CPT symmetry

[“Quantum foundations” series – QFT charge inversion] As discussed elsewhere (e.g., in “QFT – How many fields are there?” and comments), in the Standard Model, “there is one field for each kind of particle.” So, consider the positron – the “negative-energy solution” of the Dirac equation. It’s likely that electrons and positrons (anti-electrons) are localized… Continue reading Does antimatter ‘fall’ the same as matter? – QFT and CPT symmetry

General · Media · Quote

Star stuff within us – we are stardust

• “We are stardust, we are golden, we are billion year old carbon” — Woodstock by Joni Mitchell as performed by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. • Space.com > “Are we really made of ‘star stuff’ and what does that even mean? (video)” by Robert Lea (August 21, 2023) – These inspiring words from Carl… Continue reading Star stuff within us – we are stardust

General · Language · Media · Problem

The degree of entanglement – quantifying an entangled system

INTRODUCTION Remember pet rocks? So, what if someone gave you a gift, claiming it was even better than a Moon rock or Mars pebble. Something almost magical. An expensive novelty item. As advertised on TV: “Tangled Blocks” … go quantum! do Einstein spooky action! each block contains a particle entangled with one in the other… Continue reading The degree of entanglement – quantifying an entangled system

Diagram · General · Language · Problem

Special relativity’s fundamental defect – ether redux

The incompleteness of relativity and quantum theories So, for me, there’s always been a nagging shortfall of visualization for the major theories of modern physics: Relativity and Quantum theories. Successful theories indeed. But a focus on the mathematics, with some hand-waving surrounding implicit assumptions (or definitions), conveying a flawless formulation in popular presentations. As discussed… Continue reading Special relativity’s fundamental defect – ether redux

General · Language · Media · Site

Imaging at the molecular and atomic level

Here’re some articles on advanced microscopy research, including quantum microscopy by coincidence. Not included (as yet) below is an article about nano fab of crystal lattices – direct deposition of individual atoms at lattice sites vs. more conventional doping (impurity) techniques. 1 . Studying ultrafast molecular dynamics • Phys.org > “Ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy: Watching molecules… Continue reading Imaging at the molecular and atomic level

General · Language · Problem

Quantum biology – excitons in plant chromophores

When a photon excites an electron within plant chromophores [1], the transport of energy (without transporting net electric charge) resembles an exciton [2] condensate. “Chromophores … can pass energy between them in the form of excitons to a reaction center where energy can be used, kind of like a group of people passing a ball… Continue reading Quantum biology – excitons in plant chromophores

General · Language · Media · Problem

Reckoning quanta, quantum events – nostalgia for absoluteness?

TABLE OF CONTENTS Alice & Bob et al. measure quantum states & wonder about predicting outcomes. In continuous quantum fields, localized disturbances (excitations) interact and exchange energy between fields – as real outcomes. “We suppress dimensions in order to make sense of things.” Modeling interactions of excitations with vacuum states of quantum fields gets weird.… Continue reading Reckoning quanta, quantum events – nostalgia for absoluteness?