Yorkshire Philosophical Society

Event Information

Quantum Weirdness in Wensleydale
Dr Irene D’Amico, Department of Physics, University of York

The well-travelled quantum explorers Alice and Bob take a visit to Wensleydale and discover that the wierd world of quantum physics is at work even here. Dr Irene D’Amico will guide you through the strange situations that Alice and Bob encounter including the phenomena of superposition and entanglement. This is an explanation of some of the ideas in quantum physics presented in a way that you will be able to follow. Find out about the concepts behind the next generation of computing technology and cryptography.
Don’t be afraid of “quantum” – it might be wierd but it is how the world of the atom works and you will surely find it an interesting discussion. You can even ask questions about it all afterwards.

Dr D’Amico is Reader in condensed matter theory at The University of York.

This lecture is organised by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society as part of the British Science Association “outreach” programme.

For further information about the Middleham Key Centre and details of how to find it, go to their website at:

www.middlehamkeycentre.co.uk

Middleham Key Centre
Park Lane, Middleham, Leyburn, DL8 4RA
01969 624502

Report
By John Hampshire

This reaching out into North Yorkshire attracted 43 non-members and 10 members, all eager to learn about quantum physics.

Dr D’Amico’s introduction to quantum physics was well-presented using excellent graphics. She explained how the science had progressed into the study of the smallest items of matter by demonstrating the principles of superimposition, entanglement and quantum parallelism by analogy with coloured flowers and glasses of beer and water.

The relevance of quantum physics is made clear by how it is applied in quantum mechanics.  This has enabled us to understand the structure and function of lasers (for CDs, bar codes) or semiconductor devices such as transistors, microprocessors, mp3 players and mobile phones.  The next development will be commercial quantum computers providing truly secure cryptography.

We were left with the feeling that perhaps this was not so weird after all – just a little difficult to comprehend.