Pop books on Optics, Condensed Matter, and all other non sexy areas of Physics

In summary, there are many pop books available on popular topics such as Quantum Mechanics, General Relativity, and The Theory of Everything. However, there is a lack of pop books on less "sexy" areas of Physics such as Optics, Condensed Matter, and other subjects like Materials Science and Techniques used in Chemistry instruments. While there may not be many options currently available, the Scientific American Book Club may be a good resource for finding popular science books on these topics.
  • #1
DrummingAtom
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Pop books on Optics, Condensed Matter, and all other non "sexy" areas of Physics

There's so many pop books on Quantum Mechanics (Philosophical implications), General Relativity, and The Theory of Everything, but are there any pop books on subjects like Condensed Matter, Materials Science, Lasers, Techniques used in Chemistry instruments (Spectroscopy, X Ray Scattering, etc), or even a Quantum Mechanics book that relates QM to *application* instead of the Philosophy?

Thanks all.
 
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  • #2


Not that I know of, no. You might try Scientific American Book Club though. They're at least a fairly comprehensive list of what the current popular science books are and classified roughly by subject as well.
 

1. What are the main topics covered in "Pop books on Optics, Condensed Matter, and all other non-sexy areas of Physics"?

The main topics covered in these books are optics, condensed matter physics, and other subfields of physics that are not typically considered "sexy" or popular among the general public. This can include topics such as quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and particle physics.

2. Are these books meant for the general public or for experts in the field?

These books are typically written for a general audience, but may also be useful for experts in the field who want to deepen their understanding or for students studying these topics in university.

3. Why are these areas of physics considered "non-sexy"?

These areas are often considered less "sexy" because they are not as visually appealing or easily understood as other areas of physics, such as astrophysics or cosmology. Additionally, these topics may not have as much mainstream media attention or applications in everyday life.

4. Can these books still be interesting and engaging for non-scientists?

Yes, these books can still be interesting and engaging for non-scientists. They often use accessible language and real-world examples to explain complex concepts, making them enjoyable for anyone with an interest in physics.

5. Are there any notable authors or popular titles in this genre?

Yes, there are several notable authors and popular titles in this genre. Some examples include "The Elegant Universe" by Brian Greene, "The Quantum Universe" by Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw, and "The Fabric of the Cosmos" by Brian Greene.

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