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Physikgebäude (Neubau Otto-Hahn-Str. 4a) an der TU Dortmund © Nikolas Golsch​/​TU Dortmund
PROJECT QUANTOUR STARTS THROUGH EUROPE

Insight into the World of Quantum Physics

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Scanning electron microscope image of a quantum light source in close-up © L. Rickert
Scanning electron microscope image of a quantum light source in close-up.
"QuanTour" is a project that aims to get the public interested in quantum physics. A quantum light source will be travelling through twelve laboratories in various European cities over twelve months to provide insights into quantum communication research. It starts on 14 April in Berlin. The project, which is being organised by Dr Doris Reiter from the Department of Physics at TU Dortmund University, is a first kick-off for the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025.

During its journey, the quantum light source will be travelling by train together with students from the respective location: It will travel from Germany to Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, France, England, Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Poland. It will not only provide scientific insights, but also shed light on the everyday work of quantum physicists in various countries.

Secure communication through quantum physics

Portrait of Tobias Heindel and Doris Reiter © H. Kahle
The two organisers Dr Tobias Heindel and Dr Doris Reiter.

Today, global data communication largely takes place using classic light pulses that are distributed via optical fibre networks. However, the encryption remains vulnerable. Scientists around the world are therefore currently researching quantum communication using individual light particles, or photons. "This has two advantages. Firstly, it could significantly reduce energy consumption in the future. Secondly, the laws of quantum mechanics can be used to make communication fundamentally secure," says Dr Doris Reiter, who is coordinating the project together with Dr Tobias Heindel from TU Berlin.

Each laboratory on the tour will carry out measurements to check whether the source is actually emitting individual photons. You can follow the whole thing via the podcast on TheScienceTalk, which will be recorded at each of the stations, or via the Instagram channel, which will accompany the project with photos and stories.

The kick-off event is on 14 April in Berlin and can be followed online.

QuanTour is a project of the German Physical Society (DPG).

To the website of the project 

To the website of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 

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