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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. -
Category Archives: Optics
What is “quantum teleportation”?
Out of all the concepts that have appeared in science fiction, one of the most ‘science fiction-y’ of them all is the idea of teleportation — near instantaneous movement from one location to another, such as the transporters in Star … Continue reading
What is an “optical skyrmion?”
Preparing to write the final section for the second edition of my Singular Optics textbook that happens to be on, you guessed it, optical skyrmions! I thought I would try writing a non-technical explanation first to straighten out all the … Continue reading
Cork balls, Edwardian magazines, and optical physics
Okay, let’s look at a really cute physics demonstration that I found in a really unusual place and which has unexpected connections to optical physics! The demonstration in question is set up as follows: attach a string to a 1 … Continue reading
What is an optical caustic?
Here’s another post based on the revisions I’m making for the second edition of my Singular Optics textbook! Caustics are a subject that I’ve sort of casually understood for ages but never well enough to explain it, but book work … Continue reading
Infinite singularities in an optical beam???
Working on the second edition of my Singular Optics textbook and thought I would blog about some of the fun developments in the field that I’ve come across while doing the book research! Light has wave properties, and as a … Continue reading
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, quantum
Tagged philosophy, Physics, quantum-mechanics, quantum-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
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
Posted in Optics, Physics, quantum
Tagged Physics, quantum, quantum-mechanics, science
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Nicol invents a polarizing prism (1828)
I’ve talked a lot about polarization recently, including the story of how the best polarizing material was discovered on accident and how modern polarizers made from that material really changed science and technology in a major way. Along the way, … Continue reading
Physical copies of Electromagnetic Optics are now available!
This post is primarily aimed at optics students and researchers, so feel free to ignore otherwise! I wanted to let folks know that my textbook on Electromagnetic Optics is now available in physical copies through sites like Bookshop.org! Here are … Continue reading
Posted in Optics, Personal
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Skulls in the Stars 