Our department is involved in a wide range of research activities on complex quantum systems, devoted to research in modern condensed matter physics and quantum information. That is to say, this is expected to be true for complex quantum systems. Quantum systems include the entire microscopic world, such as elementary particles and atoms, but also nanoscale electric conductors, semiconductors, large molecules, or certain materials whose macro-scale properties are determined by micro-scale quantum mechanical interactions. This is even more so the case for physical systems with many degrees of freedom in which quantum phenomena become relevant. This is already true in the classical world: Fascinatingly complex features and patterns can emerge in nature from the simplest conceivable rules. In sharp contrast, this enormous complexity may arise from very basic local interactions. It has long been noted that this apparent complexity is not necessarily a consequence of the underlying physical laws being complicated. The physical world that we encounter in our everyday experience exhibits a remarkable degree of complexity and richness of phenomena. “Quantum Information” was designed jointly by APS and JQI.The quantum physicists at Freie Universität Berlin are currently participating in 9 large research consortia funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research: RealistiQ, HYBRID, QPIC-1, PhoQuant, MUNIQC, QSolid, QR.X, DAQC and FermiQP. The 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to two physicists for fundamental discoveries in quantum information. Quantum Mechanics information on APS’s outreach website. It was created in 2006 to pursue theoretical and experimental studies of quantum physics in the context of information science and technology. The Joint Quantum Institute is a partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the University of Maryland. Examples include factoring the large numbers that are used to encrypt data, and searching through vast databases.Įxplanations of quantum information physics are interspersed with clear, detailed graphics and images.
In the image in the poster, these states are depicted as electron orbits in an atom.īecause of the principle of superposition, qubits, unlike the “classical bits” in your computer, can be in both their possible states at once. Qubits can be made from any quantum system that has two states. Quantum information is information stored in very small structures called qubits. Most information is stored in relatively large structures-books, text messages, DNA, computers. Measurement, meaning an interaction with the outside world, causes a quantum system to “collapse” to one of its component states. Quantum superpositions are similarly fragile. Look again: at any instant your mind picks a cube orientation, and the contradiction vanishes. One example of this is illustrated by the picture at the top left of the poster: do you see 6 cubes, or 10? Just as your mind can interpret the image in two different ways, quantum systems can be in multiple states at once. Quantum physics describes the world of the very small: atoms, electrons, light.
The poster highlights ongoing research into the tiny building blocks of our universe.
“Quantum Information” is an attractive and informative introduction to cutting-edge quantum physics technology for high school and undergraduate students.