From our daily life we are quite used to the fact that past events have an effect on the present and the future and that we can influence the future here and now. The sequence of events is thus usually fixed. This principle of causality seems to be logical and inevitable, also because the time axis points into a fixed direction. But every so often quantum physics sets limits to our logic because for processes in the quantum world it seems to be not always clear, which event took place first and which second. Hence, the events or their sequence can be in a superposition state. The first theoretical and experimental proofs of this mindboggling behaviour have recently been presented.
The International Network for Acausal Quantum Technology (INAQT) now brings together the pioneers of this new research area with researchers from a wide range scientific backgrounds from all over the world (Europe, Australia, Hong Kong). The network – coordinated by Sonja Franke-Arnold, Sarah Croke and their team at the University of Glasgow – aims at providing a fertile ground for the exploration of acausal order and its full potential while also studying and developing applications in microscopy and imaging, metrology, quantum communications and beyond.
The network will support the exchange of young scientists and experienced researchers, organize joint workshops, and serve as a seed for future research activities in this intriguing research field. After a successful application for funding submitted to the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, UK (EPSRC) in the Quantum Technology Call for International Networks, and the official confirmation in February 2022, the kick-off event with all partners took place on March 31 and April 1, 2022.
The group Optics of Nano and Quantum Materials - Structured Light and Structured Matter (OpNaQ) at the Institute of Physics is a proud member of INAQT.
Network website: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/physics/research/inaqt/
Contact: Peter Banzer; Optics of Nano and Quantum Materials (website)