Feeling flat
A way to bridge the gap between light and electrons is starting to emerge
WHEN Edwin Abbott Abbott set “Flatland”, a satire on Victorian society, in a two-dimensional universe, it was not meant as a compliment. In Abbott Abbott's geometrical romance, enlightenment comes to the hero, Mr Square, from his understanding of the nature of a third dimension. More dimensions, it seems, are better than less.
This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Feeling flat”
From the October 26th 2002 edition
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Elon Musk is causing problems for the Royal Society
His continued membership has led to a high-profile resignation
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Without trees to circulate moisture, the land is getting hotter and drier
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They could soon show their moves in settings from car factories to care homes
Scientists are learning why ultra-processed foods are bad for you
A mystery is finally being solved
Scientific publishers are producing more papers than ever
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The two types of human laugh
One is caused by tickling; the other by everything else