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Lasers, Photons, and Superposition: Harnessing the Power of Light to Build Future Quantum Computers

Type: Presentation

Description:
Join members of the Quantum Optical Devices Lab (QuOD lab) for fun hands-on demonstrations of lasers, optical fibers, and polarization, and learn how these can be used for quantum computing to tackle big problems like the traveling salesperson problem. Hands-on demonstrators will let people of all ages see how laser light can be used to transmit information, and how it can be guided down an optical fiber, using a laser beam confined to a water stream you can touch to see the laser inside. Optical polarizers will show how light can be manipulated and how observing its state changes it. Participants will learn about the motivation for quantum computing, what superposition means, and see how photons of light can be used as a quantum bit (qubit).

Presented by:

  • Shannon Nicley, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University
  • Jonas Becker, Assistant Professor, Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University
  • Sarah Roberts, Research Assistant, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University
  • Logan Crooks, Research Assistant, Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University
  • Ian Morris, Research Assistant, Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University
  • Alex Loomis, Research Assistant, Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University
  • Kai Klink, Student Research Assistant, Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University

Ages: Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, Over 21 years only

Scientific Disciplines:

  • Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Science Education
  • STEAM Expo Days 120
  • Hands-on Science 80

Times and Locations

  • 4/1/2023 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 1201

  • 4/2/2023 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 1201

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