Physics in a New Era

Physics at the beginning of the twenty-first century has reached new levels of accomplishment and impact in a society and nation that are changing rapidly. Accomplishments have led us into the information age and fueled broad technological and economic development. The pace of discovery is quickening and stronger links with other fields such as the biological sciences are being developed. The intellectual reach has never been greater, and the questions being asked are more ambitious than ever before.
Physics in a New Era is the final report of the NRC's six-volume decadal physics survey. The book reviews the frontiers of physics research, examines the role of physics in our society, and makes recommendations designed to strengthen physics and its ability to serve important needs such as national security, the economy, information technology, and education.


Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
Introduction
1. Quantum Manipulation and New Materials
2. Complex Systems
3. Structure and Evolution of the Universe
4. Fundamental Laws and Symmetries
5. Physics Education
6. Health and Biomedical Sciences
7. The Environment
8. National Security
9. The Economy and the Information Age
10. A New Era of Discovery
11. Recommendations I: Physics and the Wider Society - Investment, Education, and National Security
12. Recommendations II: Strengthening Physics Research - Partnerships, Federal Science Agencies, and Physics Information
Index