Pitt Quantum Initiative to Gather Physicists, Chemists, and Other Researchers to Discuss Quantum Science April 18-19

PITTSBURGH—Quantum mechanics is at the heart of today’s technologies and is the basis for devices ranging from DVD players, to computers, to life-saving medical devices. The recently formed University of Pittsburgh Quantum Initiative (PQI) will hold an event April 18 and 19 for educators and scientists to discuss the current and future uses of quantum mechanics.  

“Quantum physics is an area where Pitt not only has a well-established reputation, but where its strength and reputation are growing rapidly with the introduction of many new groups over the course of the last few years,” said PQI advisory committee member Andrew Daley, assistant professor in Pitt’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.  

The “Quantum Matter” conference is the inaugural event for PQI, formed in 2012. A highlight of the event will be a free public lecture at 5 p.m. April 18 delivered by William D. Phillips, a fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, Md., who shared the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics “for development of methods to cool and trap atoms with laser light.” The title of Phillips’ presentation is “Quantum Information: A Scientific and Technological Revolution for the 21st Century.” This free lecture will be held in Ballroom A of Pitt’s University Club, 123 University Drive. (Entrance on Thackeray Avenue.)

During his lecture, Phillips will discuss two of the great scientific and technical revolutions of the 20th century: the discovery of the quantum nature of the submicroscopic world and the advent of information science and engineering. He will explain how these advancements have had a profound effect not only on our daily lives, but also on our worldview, and how today, at the beginning of the 21st century, we are seeing a marriage of quantum mechanics and information science in a new revolution—quantum information.  

For more information, visit http://pqi.pitt.edu/events or contact Andrew Daley at adaley@pitt.edu.

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4/11/13/mab/cjhm

Written by: Danielle Cameron