Charles H. Townes's Books

How the Laser Happened

Adventures of a Scientist

By: Charles H. Townes

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How the Laser Happened

Adventures of a Scientist

By: Charles H. Townes

In How the Laser Happened, Nobel laureate Charles Townes provides a highly personal look at some of the leading events in twentieth-century physics. Townes was inventor of the maser, of which the laser is one example; an originator of spectroscopy using microwaves; and a pioneer in the study of gas clouds in galaxies and around stars. Throughout his career he has also been deeply engaged with issues outside of academic research. He worked on applied research projects for Bell Labs; served on the board of directors for General Motors; and devoted extensive effort to advising the government on science, policy, and defense. This memoir traces his multifaceted career from its beginnings on the family farm in South Carolina. Spanning decades of ground-breaking research, the book provides a hands-on description of how working scientists and inventors get their ideas. It also gives a behind-the-scenes look at the scientific community, showing how scientists respond to new ideas and how they approach a variety of issues, from priority and patents to the social and political implications of their work. In addition, Townes touches on the sociology of science, uncovering some of the traditions and values that are invisible to an outsider. A towering and energetic figure, Townes has explored or pioneered most of the roles available to the modern scientist. In addition to fundamental research, he was actively involved in the practical uses of the laser and in the court cases to defend the patent rights. He was a founding member of the Jasons, an influential group of scientists that independently advises the government on defense policy, and he played an active part in scientific decisions and policies from the Truman through the Reagan administration. This lively memoir, packed with first-hand accounts and historical anecdotes, is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of science and an inspiring example for students considering scientific careers.

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Page Count

209

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0198028636

ISBN 13

9780198028635

Microwave Spectroscopy

By: Charles H. Townes,Arthur L. Schawlow

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Microwave Spectroscopy

By: Charles H. Townes,Arthur L. Schawlow

Two Nobel Laureates present a systematic, comprehensive account of the theory, techniques, experimental data, and interpretation involved in the study of microwave spectroscopy—a subject relevant to nuclear physics, molecular structure, chemical kinetics, quantum electrodynamics, and astronomy. The material in this volume is discussed critically, systematically, and in the simplest form. The simplicity of the wording and mathematics makes most of the contents accessible to those with a very elementary knowledge of quantum mechanics and atomic physics. Although the treatment is continuously developed, each of the 18 chapters is self-contained. Nearly 200 tables and figures augment the text. Appendixes supply most of the background for research and interpretation of microwave spectra; they also contain extensive data on nuclear and molecular constants, including essentially all those determined by microwave techniques. "Equally suitable for use as a fundamental reference or advanced textbook." — U.S. Quarterly Book Review.

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Page Count

722

Publisher

Courier Corporation

Published Date

ISBN 10

048661798X

ISBN 13

9780486617985

American Scientists

By: Charles W. Carey

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American Scientists

By: Charles W. Carey

Profiles more than 200 American men and women who made significant contributions to science during the twentieth century.

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Page Count

449

Publisher

Infobase Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

1438108079

ISBN 13

9781438108070

The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book

By: Charles Liu

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The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book

By: Charles Liu

Quantum physics helps explain many mysteries of the universe. It underpins everything, but it need not be quantum difficult with this informative, accessible, easy-to-follow guide to the fundamentals and concepts of quantum physics and our quantum universe! Quantum physics is all around us. It’s in electrical lights, lasers, and the color of the sky. Without it, the sun wouldn’t shine. It even explains how human eyes work. With its role in photosynthesis, it literally supports life. Yet, it had Schrödinger wondering whether his cat was alive or dead. It tells us that something can be both a wave and a particle and that two linked particles can communicate across the universe instantaneously! And it might even explain how the multiverse is real. Quantum physics is the key to understanding our complex world, yet even our most brilliant minds haven’t figured it all out yet. Engaging and approachable, The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book helps untangle this complex subject, making quantum physics and its impact on us, the world, and the universe entertaining and easy to grasp. From the basics to the theories and from the practical applications to the future, this illuminating book answers more than 800 fascinating questions so you can easily understand quantum physics, including ... Did the Big Bang arise from quantum foam? When did philosophers first consider the existence of atoms? What is the largest nuclear weapon ever detonated? What are quarks? What is quantum teleportation? What is the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle? What is the quantum principle used in MRI machines? Does entangled time mean the present can affect the past? Why did Albert Einstein say, “God does not play dice with the universe”? How is a black hole a quantum object? How does quantum physics appear in portrayals of space? Do we live in a multiverse? What is artificial intelligence? Are human brains actually quantum computers? How does quantum physics affect me? The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book provides a bridge between scientific concepts and everyday understanding, allowing you to grasp the wonders and implications of quantum physics. This compelling resource is for the casually curious as well as those seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most captivating scientific fields of our time. With 135 photos and graphics, this tome is richly illustrated. Its glossary of commonly used terms cuts through the jargon, a helpful bibliography provides sources for further exploration, and an extensive index adds to its usefulness.

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Page Count

681

Publisher

Visible Ink Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

1578598389

ISBN 13

9781578598380

Lasers

How They Work

By: Charles H. Wacker

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Lasers

How They Work

By: Charles H. Wacker

Discusses the nature, development, and varied uses of the laser, a ray of atomic light that outshines the center of the sun.

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Page Count

100

Publisher

Putnam Publishing Group

Published Date

ISBN 10

0399608419

ISBN 13

9780399608414

Book's by Charles H. Townes

How the Laser Happened

How the Laser Happened

Microwave Spectroscopy

Microwave Spectroscopy

American Scientists

American Scientists

The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book

The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book

Lasers

Lasers

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