Quantum technology is seen as a promising technology for the future. But what exactly is quantum, how does it work, and how do we apply it? These are logical questions to which only some have the answers. Neither do we. Reason enough to ask experts to explain it in understandable language during the Quantum for Dummies symposium.
Quantum for Dummies
Yesterday, in the run-up to Pepijn Pinkse’s inauguration about quantum light, the Quant Centre and MESA+ organized the symposium Quantum for Dummies. We are looking back at a successful edition with about 140 participants from various backgrounds: companies, scientists from other disciplines, students, colleagues and government.
In three short talks, the visitors got an insight into the basics of quantum. During the breaks, they could discover quantum in hands-on experiments and demonstrations.
QUANTUM WEIRDNESS
In the first lecture, Bart Folkers (High school physics teacher and PhD at UT) and Kirsten Stadermann (assistant professor and teacher trainer at UT) explained the basics of quantum technology with their lecture ‘Basics of Quantum: Making Sense of Quantum Weirdness’. They explained the basics of Quantization, Superposition and Entanglement. Kirsten clarified what light is, and with three experiments, they showed us the properties of a photon. After this first lecture, visitors had the opportunity to experiment with quantum with the guidance of students.
What is a photon?
After the break, Prof. Dr. Gerhard Rempe from the Max Plank Institute of Quantum Optics gave a lecture about photons. What exactly is a photon? He took us through history with statements and inventions by Einstein, Millikan and Lamb, among others. From various views of various audiences, he explained the different opinions on what a photon is.
Quantum Computing
To conclude the symposium, Jelmer Renema (assistant professor at UT and chief scientist of QuiX Quantum) gave the audience insights into how to apply quantum technology. He explained why we should care about quantum computing and its workings, showed us examples of several applications, and taught us what a qubit is.
Using various examples, Jelmer clarified how much knowledge and expertise the Netherlands has in Quantum technology and how important this position is for Europe, including Twente’s expertise in Quantum Computing in particular. Jelmer concluded his presentation with the beautiful words that it all started in Twente with Pepijn Pinkse. Someone who did ‘something’ with quantum, but the ‘something’ that Pepijn once started with has now been rolled out to a position where Twente is conquering Europe with quantum computing.
We want to thank all the visitors for their interest in quantum technology, enthusiasm about this symposium, and, of course, for joining us yesterday. We also want to thank MinacNed and Quantum Delta NL for sponsoring this symposium!
Photos by Elroy van Sloten
