Issues

Questions asked by cosmologists today concern the large‐scale structure of the universe. How do intergalactic distances expand? Is the universe isotropic and homogeneous? Flat or curved? Finite or infinite? Did it all start with a “big bang?”

Reduction of radiationless relaxation has led to new liquid lasers that are at least equivalent in performance to pulsed crystal and glass lasers.

Initial formulations of nuclear fission are colored with the successes, failures and just plain bad luck of several scientists from different nations. The winning combination of good fortune and careful thought made this exciting concept a reality.

Emerging from the scientific hiatus imposed during the first and second world wars, France has begun to reëstablish her place as a leader in physics research. Liberal education and strong governmental support have provided inroads to further improvement.

How physicists appear to their colleagues, what their job attitudes are, how the public looks at physics and latest physics advances are some of the topics treated at the meeting.