Dance of the Photons

Einstein's steadfast refusal to accept certain aspects of quantum theory was rooted in his insistence that physics has to be about reality. Accordingly, he once derided as "spooky action at a distance" the notion that two elementary particles far removed from each other could nonetheless influence each others propertiesa hypothetical phenomenon his fellow theorist Erwin Schrödinger termed “quantum entanglement.

In a series of ingenious experiments conducted in various locations, from a dank sewage tunnel under the Danube River to the balmy air between a pair of mountain peaks in the Canary Islands, the author and his colleagues have demonstrated the reality of such entanglement using photons, or light quanta, created by laser beams. In principle the lessons learned may be applicable in other areas, including the eventual development of quantum computers.

"Zeilinger, the head of the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information in Austria who takes part in ground-breaking experiments in quantum technology, provides a thorough history and explanation of quantum entanglement geared toward the a general readership. Entanglement, a concept which Einstein tried to overturn throughout his life, is the idea that two particles continue to affect each other even after they have physically separated; they are 'connected in a much stronger way...than in classical physics.' Zeilinger creates a simple narrative in order to lead the reader through actual quantum mechanics experiments. Using data from his own experiments, which include photons that he successfully teleported from one side of the Danube to the other, Zeilinger explains the theoretical, philosophical, and technical problems involved in Einstein's rebuttal of entanglement. Although the first-time author does an admirable job simplifying quantum physics and explaining experiments point-by-point, this is still a challenging subject that requires time and effort on the part of the non-scientist reader. Illus. "
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"Those seeking an accessible popular account of this fascinating field will find their search over . . . Taking some of the most complex ideas from cutting-edge science, Zeilinger provides simple and clear explanations that in no way compromise the fundamental concepts." Science

"From the sewers under Vienna to a whirlwind tour of the great physicists of the twentieth century and their wild ideas, this is a marvelous introduction to the world of quantum physics by one of the most accomplished experimenters working in the field today. Zeilinger takes the reader on a very personal journey while providing a remarkably clear and cogent discussion of the mind-bending world of quantum mechanics and its potential to change the future of technology." Lawrence M. Krauss, director of the Origins Initiative at Arizona State University and author of Quantum Man: Richard Feynman’s Life in Science

"Anton Zeilinger's Dance of the Photons is a delight. The explanations of some of the most subtle and unexpected effects of quantum physics are provided in terms of beautifully simple and charming everyday settings. The true flavor of quantum mechanics is here made accessible, without pain but with considerable good humor." Roger Penrose, emeritus professor of mathematics, Oxford University, and author, most recently, of The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe

In a series of ingenious experiments conducted in various locations, the author and his colleagues demonstrate the stunning reality of quantum entanglement using photons, or light quanta, created by laser beams.

Anton Zeilinger is a professor of physics at the University of Vienna, where he heads the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.