MathematikOne hundred years ago, quantum physics revolutionized our understanding of the world; today, it continues to actively shape our future. On the occasion of UNESCO’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, an event was held at the University of Klagenfurt to highlight the connections to and current research in Carinthia, organized by Paul Erker (IQOQI Vienna), Peter Holub (Educational Lab at Lakesidepark and Verein Inizia), and Angelika Wiegele (Institute of Mathematics, AAU).

After a short presentation by Angelika Wiegele (Institute of Mathematics, AAU), in which she explained the nature of positive semidefinite matrices—which are important in quantum mechanics—Paul Erker and Dorian Schiffer (both from Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, TU Vienna) gave presentations that provided insight into the history of the quantum world and the preparation for the experiments.
Afterwards, under the guidance of Florian Meier, participants were able to perform simple quantum “calculations” on the 1-qubit quantum computer in a playful manner. This allowed them to discover that there are operations in the quantum world that are not possible in the classical world (e.g., the root of the NOT gate).
Dorian Schiffer utilized the quantum eraser to demonstrate how information is physically created and destroyed, as well as the physical effects that correspond to this process. Using an interferometer and polarization filters, he showed that the manifestation of which-path information can be described as particle behavior, and conversely, phase information as wave behavior. The interaction between the behavior of light and the “way we question it” was made clear and contrasted with the classical worldview. The fact that, despite its extreme precision, there is no philosophical consensus on quantum physics was also discussed.
Students from schools in Villach, Klagenfurt, and St. Paul, as well as interested members of the general public, enthusiastically participated in the event, which concluded with discussions with the quantum researchers and a buffet at the Institute of Mathematics.
Event website: https://conference3.aau.at/event/246/

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Der Beitrag Quanta – From Mystery To Revolution erschien zuerst auf University of Klagenfurt.