In 1925, while recovering on the island of Helgoland, Werner Heisenberg wrote down the beginnings of a radically new approach to understanding the physical world. Other researchers quickly extended this work into what we now call quantum theory. Over the ensuing century, the theory has been enormously successful and has led to valuable technologies - including lasers, computers, GPS. But the theory is notoriously bad at answering the question, "What is really going on?" This course addresses various aspects of quantum theory: the physics, the history, the philosophical controversies, and the emerging technologies of "the second quantum revolution." The course is for everyone: there are no prerequisites.

Bill Wootters is a retired professor of physics at Williams College, with a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. Most of his research has been in quantum information theory and the foundations of quantum mechanics. His previous OLLI courses include "The Speed of Light" and "Gravity."

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