|
|
I studied Astronomy at University College London in the mid 1970s where I devised the principle of making telescope mirrors in different parts to help overcome problems with increasing weight. In time I added the idea of deforming mirrors using the piezzoelectric effect to overcome problems with instabilities in the atmosphere which gives stars their twinkling effect and disrupts their images and I also thought of using lasers shone onto the sky to help in processing images using this technique where there are no bright stars nearby. Not long thereafter I thought of producing fusion reactions with laser power which is now the favoured approach in the quest for fusion power reactors. As I explained, this technique has the great advantage of allowing nuclear research to be performed also. I thought of some other useful technical innovations which I mention in my book.
After leaving university I travelled a great deal in Europe and Asia and was able eventually to bring some understanding of cultural matters to bear on the enduring problem of the legends of King Arthur when I had realised that there could be a connection to King Offa of Mercia. That gave an introduction to the study of historical and cultural processes. Apart from thinking about such matters in the last few years I have continued working toward a fundamental explanation of the laws of physics which I expect to publish eventually.
Copyright©2001Andrew Burbidge