Parallel Worlds: Fact or Fiction?

by Shan Gao

In 1957, a physics graduate student at Princeton University, Hugh Everett III, came up with a crazy idea that purported to solve a major puzzle in quantum theory, the so-called measurement problem. According to the idea, in addition to the world we are aware of directly, there are many other similar worlds which exist in parallel at the same space and time.

Nowadays, parallel worlds, also known as parallel universes or multiverse in brief, is becoming the most popular picture of the quantum universe. The picture is frequently featured in scientific magazines and widely popularized by best-selling authors like John Gribbin, Michio Kaku, and Brian Greene. But wait, do parallel worlds really exist?

In this book, the idea of parallel worlds is carefully reexamined. It is clearly demonstrated that the idea is inconsistent with the established parts of quantum theory. Although reading the book requires a basic knowledge of quantum physics, the main demonstration is accessible to general readers. This book may appeal to people who want to gain a real understanding of the mysterious quantum universe.

57 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2013