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The author of Skulls in the Stars is a professor of physics, specializing in optical science, at UNC Charlotte. The blog covers topics in physics and optics, the history of science, classic pulp fantasy and horror fiction, and the surprising intersections between these areas. -
Author Archives: skullsinthestars
What is a quantum eraser?
My training and background as a physicist is largely in the field of so-called classical optics: the study of the wave properties of light. Lately, however, I’ve been planning more investigations into quantum optics — the study of the quantum … Continue reading
Posted in Optics, Physics
Tagged philosophy, Physics, quantum-mechanics, quantum-physics, science
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Einstein’s Tutor, by Lee Phillips
Book 20 for my 2025 goal of 30 books for the year! As is now default for me, my link to the book is through my bookshop dot org affiliate account. I’ve been gearing up lately to plan my next popular science book … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Mathematics, Physics, Women in science
Tagged Mathematics, philosophy, Physics, science
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A retrospective on my first published scientific paper
I’ve had a pretty long career in physics, optics in particular, at this point: I have published over 150 peer-reviewed papers and have written 5 books. Looking back to the start of my journey in science, I don’t think I … Continue reading
The Tripods: The City of Gold and Lead, by John Christopher
Book 19 for my 2025 goal of 30 books for the year! As is now default for me, my link to the book is through my bookshop dot org affiliate account. Last month, I read the first book in John Christopher’s classic young … Continue reading
Posted in Science fiction
Tagged book review, book-reviews, books, Fiction, science fiction
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An Echo of Children, by Ramsey Campbell
Book 18 for my 2025 goal of 30 books for the year! As is now default for me, my link to the book is through my bookshop dot org affiliate account. Ramsey Campbell still knows how to catch me off guard. The first … Continue reading
The Tripods: The White Mountains, by John Christopher
Book 17 for my 2025 goal of 30 books for the year! As is now default for me, my link to the book is through my bookshop dot org affiliate account. Before there was The Hunger Games, or Divergent, there was … Continue reading
Crypt of the Moon Spider, by Nathan Ballingrud
Book 16 for my 2025 goal of 30 books for the year! The year is 1923. Veronica Brinkley is landing on the moon to get psychiatric treatment at the Barrowfield Home for the Treatment of the Melancholy. You didn’t read … Continue reading
An introduction to quantum cryptography
I’ve been brushing up on my quantum physics and quantum information science lately, and thought it would be good practice for me to give a little introduction to the idea of quantum cryptography, and one of the first strategies proposed … Continue reading
Rise of the Zombie Bugs, by Mindy Weisberger
Book 15 for my 2025 goal of 30 books for the year! Had a significant hiatus of reading due to life stresses, but still ahead on my goal. Zombies are everywhere in fiction these days, from The Last of Us … Continue reading
RIP Cookie, 2010-2025
I haven’t posted in a while because I have had a lot of stuff going on in my life. That culminated today in having to put my kitty Cookie to rest after her seizure episodes returned with intensity and would … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Personal
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Skulls in the Stars 