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The Future of Physics
Explore why fundamental physics has slowed since 1980, how physicists are crafting liquid light, and why our civilization must pivot to face the Anthropocene.
This Santa Fe Institute Community Lecture explores the shift in physics from the slowdown of fundamental laws to exciting advances in designing novel forms of matter like polaritons. John Baez examines how these developments intersect with the challenges of the Anthropocene, arguing that our civilization must transition toward sustainable, ecosystem-aligned approaches.
Lecture Guide
- 1Fundamental physics has largely stalled since 1980 with few verified theoretical predictions or experimental breakthroughs.
- 2Condensed matter physics is currently the most exciting branch of physics, granting exquisite control over matter through quasiparticles like polaritons.
- 3Quasiparticles such as excitons and polaritons blend light and matter, making it possible to create phenomena like liquid light and superfluids.
- 4The Anthropocene is characterized by rapid and massive human impacts on the global climate and biosphere, rendering exponential resource growth unsustainable.
Proofs, Examples & Demos
Assumed Background