Quantum physics
From Srafopedia
A fundamental branch of modern physics that concentrates on subatomic particles, such as the "fundamental particles" (in that they cannot be divided into smaller particles) like leptons, bosons and quarks, and their composites like protons or neutrons. It is the underlying mathematical framework of many fields of physics and chemistry, including condensed matter physics, atomic physics, molecular physics, computational chemistry, quantum chemistry, particle physics, and nuclear physics. Along with general relativity, quantum mechanics is one of the pillars of modern physics.
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Quantum physics in His Dark Materials
There are several connections to quantum physics in His Dark Materials because Philip Pullman wanted to include real science in his trilogy. The elements based on quantum physics include the idea of other worlds, the Subtle Knife and the Lodestone Resonator. His Hark Materials also contains things involving other fields of physics, Dark Matter for example.
The Subtle Knife
In relevance to His Dark Materials, Pullman gives quantum theory as an explanation for how the Subtle Knife can cut between worlds, by having a point so sharp that it can fit between these particles and cut through into a parallel universe beyond them. In reality, it is unlikely that a point sharp enough to fit between fundamental particles will cut into another universe, the theory has been acclaimed by scientists as plausible, if not possible.
Parallel Universes
Another connection between the trilogy and quantum physics is the idea of how the multiple universes came about. Pullman's notion of parallel worlds seems to be based on the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics which states that all possible outcomes of a quantum system come true in separate universes, thus parallel worlds are created as a result of different possibilities. The explanation of the origin of different universes that Lord Asriel gives Lyra is very similar to this notion. The many-worlds interpretation is the second most popular interpretation of quantum mechanics after the Copenhagen interpretation.
The Lodestone Resonator
Quantum physics is also used to explain how the lodestone resonator operates. It is a device used by Gallivespians to communicate over long distances. It's function is based on a phenomenon of quantum physics known as quantum entanglement. In quantum entanglement two particles become linked in a way that disturbing one will inevitably affect the other no matter how far apart they are. The lodestone resonator is made by entangling all the particles in an ordinary lodestone and splitting it in half, which produces two halves that resonate with each other.
See also: Multiverse, Barnard-Stokes heresy, Everett
