Public lecture: Sir Michael Berry - How quantum physics democratized music

Public Mathematical Physics Seminar - How quantum physics democratized music
Friday, October 14, 2016 - 15:00
John Hume Lecture Theatre 3 - Maynooth University, North Campus

Professor Sir Michael Berry FRS
H H Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol

How quantum physics democratized music

Abstract:
Connections between physics and technological invention and aspects of human life that seem far from science are both unexpected and unexpectedly common. And rather than flowing one way – from physics to gadgets – the connections form an intricate web, linking all aspects of human culture, in a way that frustrates our convenient compartmentalisations and coarse interventions aimed at promoting technology transfer. I will discuss this theme not abstractly but with examples, ranging from music to the colour of gold, and explain how quantum physics helps me do quantum physics (sic.)