The Silicon Web: Physics for the Internet Age

The technology behind computers, fiber optics, and networks did not originate in the minds of engineers attempting to build an Internet. The Internet is a culmination of intellectual work by thousands of minds spanning hundreds of years. The Silicon Web: Physics for the Internet Age explores the core principles of physics that underlie those technologies that continue to revolutionize our everyday lives. It requires no higher math or prior experience with physics and covers the basic physics principles at the core of the information technology revolution, the quantum era, the Internet era, lasers, optical fibers, light amplification, and fiber-optic and wireless communication technologies. It also looks at ways in which science has changed the course of history and clarifies common misconceptions while offering insight on the social impacts of science with an emphasis on information technology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 600 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The technology behind computers, fiber optics, and networks did not originate in the minds of engineers attempting to build an Internet. The Internet is a culmination of intellectual work by thousands of minds spanning hundreds of years. We have built concept upon concept and technology upon technology to arrive at where we are today, in a world constructed of silicon pathways and controlled by silicon processors.

From computers to optical communications, The Silicon Web: Physics for the Internet Age explores the core principles of physics that underlie those technologies that continue to revolutionize our everyday lives. Designed for the nonscientist, this text requires no higher math or prior experience with physics. It starts with an introduction to physics, silicon, and the Internet and then details the basic physics principles at the core of the information technology revolution. A third part examines the quantum era, with in-depth discussion of digital memory and computers. The final part moves onto the Internet era, covering lasers, optical fibers, light amplification, and fiber-optic and wireless communication technologies.

The relation between technology and daily life is so intertwined that it is impossible to fully understand modern human experience without having at least a basic understanding of the concepts and history behind modern technology, which continues to become more prevalent as well as more ubiquitous. Going beyond the technical, the book also looks at ways in which science has changed the course of history. It clarifies common misconceptions while offering insight on the social impacts of science with an emphasis on information technology.

As a pioneering researcher in quantum mechanics of light, author Michael Raymer has made his own significant contributions to the field. His book, The Silicon Web, is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the physics of information technology, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the underlying principles of the digital world.

Dimension: 280 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032340302