
R. Wilson/NIST
NIST researcher Krister Shalm views quantum mechanics as a poem the universe has written about its most fundamental workings. The language of this poem is mathematics.
One lecture in an undergraduate quantum physics class changed my life forever.
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It was 2001, and the professor introduced the idea that physicists could use quantum particles to build a new kind of superpowerful computer. I was so captivated by the idea that quantum physics could lead to fundamentally new approaches to technology that I spent the rest of the semester devouring every resource I could find on the topic. I became so engrossed I nearly failed the class. However, that fascination has grown into a lifelong passion for exploring the quantum world.
The rules that govern the smallest particles in nature are known as quantum mechanics, and quantum mechanics allows us a glimpse into how the tiniest things in our universe behave.
I’ve always been curious about how the world works, so it isn’t just the deep philosophical issues intertwined with quantum physics that interest me. I’m also fascinated by how emerging technologies based on quantum principles are set to have a potentially revolutionary effect on our society.
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