On the 16th of May we celebrate three scientific fundamentals: laser, light, and important ideas on quantum technologies.

International Day of Light

The 16th of May 2020 marks the 60th anniversary of the laser, as well as the 25th jubilee of the famous idea of Ignacio Cirac and Peter Zoller on how to build a quantum computer with ion traps - an epochal milestone for the second quantum revolution that followed.

We are happy to partner up with the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) and the PhotonLab for this special celebration.

Initially, we had a big celebration in mind, but the current circumstances required for a change of plans. With lightning speed we have come up with an alternative to celebrate online and are excited to introduce the following program, designed to immerse you in the fascinating world of lasers and frontiers of quantum research.

11th of May until 14th of May

5pm CET: A series of lab tours at MPQ, broadcasted live on Instagram under @MaxPlanckQuantum

15th of May

5pm CET: Discussion of the two quantum thinkers Ignacio Cirac and Flore Kunst on their fascination about the quantum world, broadcasted live on Instagram under @MaxPlanckQuantum

16th of May

The entire program is live broadcasted on the MPQ YouTube channel.

11am CET: The fundamentals of light - an introduction with Silke Stähler Schöpf from the Photonlab (approx. 45 minutes, in German)

12pm CET: Online Quiz part I (German)

1pm CET: Lunch break

2pm CET: Immanuel Bloch | Realizing Feynman’s Dream of a Quantum Simulator (English)

3pm CET: Ignacio Cirac | Quantum computers: what, when and how (English)

4pm CET: Ioachim Pupeza | The symphony of molecules

5pm CET: Online Quiz part II (English)

Join in and celebrate with us!