The Particle Explosion

The Particle Explosion is a spectacular illustrated tour of the subatomic world, the first book to describe to the general reader how the study of basic particles over the last hundred years has led us closer to an understanding of the origins of the Universe. This journey to the heart of matter opens with an introduction to the basic particles (a subatomic "zoo" that includes quarks, electrons, leptons, 'strange' particles and 'charmed' particles) and of the methods used to create and investigate them. The even-numbered chapters tell the story of their discovery, from the first experiments with X-rays and the elucidation of the nature of the atom, to the great machines that today smash particles together at enormous energy levels. The odd-numbered chapters describe the major particles in more detail. With over 300 fascinating illustrations, the book brings together many historical photographs of leading scientists in the field, the increasingly vast and complex equipment they use (bubble chambers, accelerators and modern electronic detectors), and the striking images of tracks produced by the particles themselves. Detailing in readable, jargon-free language the new vistas particle physics has opened--from the approach to a Grand Unified Theory of matter to the detection of art forgeries--this book is must reading for anyone who hopes to understand more about the brave new world of modern science.