Quantum 2.0: The Weird Physics Driving a New Revolution in Technology

Paul Davies

Book cover for Quantum 2.0: The Weird Physics Driving a New Revolution in Technology
Image for variant 9780226849324
Book cover for Quantum 2.0: The Weird Physics Driving a New Revolution in Technology
Image for variant 9780226849324

Quantum 2.0: The Weird Physics Driving a New Revolution in Technology

Quantum 2.0: The Weird Physics Driving a New Revolution in Technology

Paul Davies

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Description
Quantum computers, quantum cryptography, and even quantum AI--a century after the discovery of an unexpected physical world, researchers are putting this puzzling science to work in dazzling new ways.

In this exhilarating and mind-bending book, renowned scientist and author Paul Davies offers readers a glimpse of how quantum physics has led to a quantum technology revolution. Quantum 2.0 reveals how today's brightest minds are harnessing exotic states of matter that have no counterpart in everyday life. Specifically, all eyes are on entanglement, called "spooky" by Einstein, which links the activities of separated particles even across vast distances.

By manipulating these weird properties of atoms, electrons, and photons, scientists are driving the burgeoning field of "quantum information science," featuring new tools such as quantum computers, quantum cryptography, and the quantum internet. In turn, their efforts have attracted billions of dollars in investments and triggered a frantic quantum arms race between nations. At the same time, theorists are taking a closer look at quantum systems themselves, which possess properties that defy intuition and shred everyday notions of reality. Davies explains how researchers, including himself, are wrestling with quantum theory to make sense of this realm, where ghostly quantum particles produce tiny forces in nanotechnology, cause black holes to evaporate, and may even contribute to the universe's accelerating expansion. A trusted guide, Davies takes readers from the basic concepts to today's cutting edge, inviting us all to glimpse the wonderland of quantum physics and its stunning implications.

About the Author

Paul Davies is a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, astrobiologist, broadcaster, and best-selling author. A winner of the prestigious Templeton Prize, he is Regents' Professor of Physics and director of the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science at Arizona State University. He is the author, most recently, of What's Eating the Universe? and Other Cosmic Questions, also published by the University of Chicago Press.

Critical Reviews

"With beautiful, immaculate prose, Davies takes on the formidable task of describing 'the most successful scientific theory in history, ' which underpins every aspect of the physical sciences and has gifted our technological world of human endeavor with transformative applications. The result is a remarkable book that is destined to make a significant impact."--Simon Mitton, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge, coauthor of "Vera Rubin: A Life"

"Quantum 2.0 is eminently readable--an impressive feat in itself. I really enjoyed it. Davies has done a great job of conveying how unfamiliar the quantum world can be and how unexpected. And he's done so without equations!"--Vinton Cerf, internet pioneer and computer scientist

"You won't find a clearer, more engaging guide to what we know (or would like to know) about the universe and how it is put together."--Bill Bryson, on Davies's "What's Eating the Universe?"

"One of the most imaginative scientists working today."-- "Financial Times, on Davies's "The Demon in the Machine""

"Compelling. . . . Davies excels in succinctly addressing the big intangibles."-- "Forbes, on Davies's "What's Eating the Universe?""

"Brilliantly vivid. . . . Elegant and lucid."-- "The Guardian, on Davies's "The Demon in the Machine""

"We cannot help but be amazed."-- "The Wall Street Journal, on Davies's "What's Eating the Universe?""

"[Davies] is a master explicator, making complex scientific concepts clear to readers, and doing so in prose of stylish vivacity."

--Jim Al-Khalili "Times Literary Supplement"

"Davies is definitely an enthusiastic tour guide on this trip around the quantum. . . . [He] does a great job on the quantum basics and the theory behind quantum computing."

--Brian Clegg "PopularScience.co.uk"

"A rewarding book that offers a cogent look at the science's history and the second quantum revolution that's under way."

--NJ McGarrigle "The Irish Times"

"The way Davies weaves these ideas together is something special. If you're looking for an accessible overview of where quantum physics has been and where it might be going--including the technological and philosophical landscape--you could do far worse than this book. . . . A big thumbs up. I really enjoyed this."

-- "Quantum Zeitgeist"

"The use of the word 'quantum' has become rather hackneyed. There are quantum computers, quantum sensors, and even quantum refrigerators; the list is endless. I mean, what's next--quantum washing machines? If all the quantum spam has left you exhausted, Davies's new book, Quantum 2.0: The Weird Physics Driving a New Revolution in Technology, might help. Yes, the title has the q-word, but for the best possible reason. Starting with a brief rundown of what 'quantum' actually means, the book lays out in plain language how quantum mechanics changed science in the past century--and how it will continue to do so going forward."

--Gayoung Lee "Gizmodo"

Publishing Information

Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Pub date: 2026-02-10
Length: 320 pages

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