Unified theories of elementary particles

FEB 01, 1966

Participants at a topical conference are hopeful that quantum field theory may elucidate the symmetry and interactions of the smallest bits of matter

DOI: 10.1063/1.3048051

Sidney A. Bludman

THEORISTS AT A RECENT SEMINAR on unified theories of elementary particles were brought together by continued interest in more or less realistic application of quantum field theory to elementaryparticle physics. Thus they do not share the fears of Freeman J. Dyson (expressed in last June’s PHYSICS TODAY)—about the relevance of field theory to strong‐interaction physics nor his fear that field theorists are to become an isolated band of specialists like specialists in general relativity.

This article is only available in PDF format

More about the authors

Sidney A. Bludman, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

Physics Today is looking for a Senior Editor. Apply Now.

Related content

Features

Article

A brief guide to science outreach

Figuring out how to communicate with the public can be overwhelming. Here’s some advice for getting started.

December 16, 2025 04:38 PM

Features

Article

The urgent need for research governance of solar geoengineering

Amid growing investment in planetary-scale climate intervention strategies that alter sunlight reflection, global communities deserve inclusive and accountable oversight of research.

December 15, 2025 12:05 PM

Features

Article

Superconducting quantum circuits: At the heart of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics

Although motivated by the fundamental exploration of the weirdness of the quantum world, the prizewinning experiments have led to a promising branch of quantum computing technology.

November 25, 2025 03:04 PM

Features

Article

Solid-state batteries: Hype, hopes, and hurdles

As conventional lithium-ion battery technology approaches its theoretical limits, researchers are studying alternative architectures with solid electrolytes.

November 10, 2025 10:22 AM

This Content Appeared In