Can you imagine your life without a computer, internet or TV? If your answer is no you should be aware that, in part, this is due to Quantum Physics. Although many people are familiar with the quantum world, some people are still unaware of its many practical applications, and there are even those who find this area difficult to understand. The World Quantum Day (WQD) was launched by Yasser Omar, professor at IST’s Department of Mathematics (DM) and coordinator of the Physics of Information and Quantum Technologies Group at IT, to demystify this scientific field.
“Quantum Physics provides us clues to better understand the nature and the universe, the particles that make up the universe and the forces that make them interact”, highlights the Técnico professor. “Quantum Physics is the basis for new emerging and disruptive technologies, such as quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and quantum sensors which, in the coming years, may transform the way we live”, stresses professor Yasser Omar. “Sharing knowledge with society is an act of democracy. Knowledge is power”, he adds.
Professor Yasser Omar decided to launch the WQD but he never thought that so many people would support his idea: “in a short time, we were able to establish a network covering more than 65 countries”, he says. “What was supposed to be a symbolic launch on April 14 this year, as the countdown towards the first global celebration on 14 April 2022, quickly became a major event worldwide (Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and South America).
People from all over the world attended the WQD launch conference
The WQD launch conference was live streamed on the WQD YouTube channel on 14th April. Alain Aspect, professor at the Université Paris-Saclay and one of the first physicists to experimentally confirm quantum entanglement, was the keynote speaker.
“Something wonderful has happened in the past few decades, people have realised that the extraordinary specifications of quantum mechanics can lead to the so-called quantum technologies,” he said. The speaker also highlighted how these technologies are being used in several countries and stressed “the first conclusion from all of this is that we were able to demonstrate experimentally one of the great quantum mysteries”. “The other big lesson is that questioning a fundamental equation can lead to practical applications”, he concluded.
The event has also spread to social media. In total, the WQD included more than 15 debates and lectures.
The WQD is here to stay
“In 2022 we hope to reach more countries, more cities, more schools, more academies, more public places, such as museums, concert halls and cinemas. Why not?”, says professor Yasser Omar. “And make this event even more comprehensive. We would like to include more areas of Physics, such as quantum information, particle physics, optics, condensed matter, cosmology, gravitation, etc. And also Chemistry, Mathematics, Informatics, Telecommunications, and Engineering in general. We would also like to include Archeology, Medicine, Conservation and Restoration, Philosophy and Ethics. We would like to encourage discussion on how to teach quantum science and technology to different generations, and artistic creations inspired by this area”, adds the Técnico professor.
“Every day is a Quantum Day!” is the motto of the WQD. “We don’t need to do all in 2022. We also have 2023, 2024, 2025, and so on. We have plenty of time, quantum physics has transformed our understanding of the universe and our society over the past 100 years, and will certainly continue to do so for the next 100 years”, says professor Yasser Omar with enthusiasm.
