Unabridged version of David Mermin's Nobel diaryThe next generation of data security systems may thwart counterfeiters and eavesdroppers by employing new systems and devices based on optical information processing -- Bahram Javidi
Nowadays we can intercept a spreading sound wave, time-reverse it and send it back to the source. That should greatly enhance our ability to locate gallstones and submarines -- Mathias Fink
Novel approaches to the creation of unusual electronic materials may result in more efficient thermoelectric refrigerators and power sources with no moving parts -- Gerald Mahan, Brian Sales and Jeff Sharp
Diary of a Nobel guest -- N. David Mermin
Unabridged version of David Mermin's Nobel diary
Bose condensates are coherent inside and outside an atom trap. A recent experiment signals the debut of a rudimentary atom laser, consisting of pulses of coherent atoms "fired" from an atom trap.
Trap holds condensates of two different spin states at once.
Web Watch: Links to BEC and atom laser web sites
Quantum black holes are tied to D-branes and strings. Theorists have used string theory and nonperturbative objects known as D-branes to count the quantum microstates of black holes. This major step forward in our understanding of quantum gravity may resolve the longstanding "paradox" of information loss in black hole evaporation.
Links to references cited
Can helium mixing explain the solar neutrino shortages?
Clinton sends his 1998 R&D budget to Capitol Hill expecting bipartisan support, but all is not rosy
Without explosions to test the aging nuclear arsenal, bomb builders turn to inertial fusion and supercomputers
Astronomy community works to adapt to changes at NOAO. Small federally operated telescopes are being closed. Will private facilities pick up the slack by opening their doors to the broader astronomy community?
The physics chanteuse blends cabaret and science
The chanteuse's web site
Canadian accelerator shut down, its director gets the boot
A front-of-the-envelope calculation
Web Watch: Atom lasers and BEC
Reflections on the Sokal affair: What is at stake? -- Silvan S. Schweber
Volcanoes of the Solar System, C. Frankel;
Planetary Volcanism: A Study of Volcanic Activity in the Solar System, P. Cattermole (reviewed by D. L. Anderson)
Infinite Potential: The Life and Times of David Bohm, F. D. Peat (reviewed by J. T. Cushing)
In Search of the Ultimate Building Blocks, G. 't Hooft (reviewed by R. H. March)
Computational Methods for Fluid Dynamics, J. H. Ferziger and M. Peric (reviewed by A. Leonard)
Empire of Light: A History of Discovery in Science and Art, S. Perkowitz (reviewed by P. Meystre)
Our regular sections: Physics Update, Letters, New Products, We Hear That, and Information Exchange.
Previous issue
Next issue
Other 1997 contents summaries
Other contents summaries
Back to Physics Today home page