The second Quantum revolution is expected to influence society as a whole thanks to the groundbreaking technologies it introduces. As part of its effort in the dissemination of Quantum Physics and Quantum Technologies, in November 2023, the National Institute of Optics (CNR-INO) in Florence organised ”Dire l’indicibile: l’entanglement quantistico” an exhibition open to the general public with the aim of spreading knowledge of quantum Physics and quantum technologies. The goal of the exhibition was to boost awareness of these developing technologies in local communities, using interactive exhibits designed for the occasion, while also investigating the impact this event had on its visitors.
The second Quantum revolution is expected to influence society as a whole thanks to the groundbreaking technologies it introduces. As part of its effort in the dissemination of Quantum Physics and Quantum Technologies, in November 2023, the National Institute of Optics (CNR-INO) in Florence organised ”Dire l’indicibile: l’entanglement quantistico” an exhibition open to the general public with the aim of spreading knowledge of quantum Physics and quantum technologies. The goal of the exhibition was to boost awareness of these developing technologies in local communities, using interactive exhibits designed for the occasion, while also investigating the impact this event had on its visitors.
In the context of the Italian Quantum Weeks initiative, the exhibition "Dire l'indicibile" proposed a journey through the rules of Quantum Mechanics, offering a glimpse at the working principles and potential applications of quantum technologies (QTs).We devised a route to introduce the key concepts of quantum superposition, quantum measurements and evolution, and incompatible observables, by exploiting analogies based on custom-made models and tools.As examples of possible QT applications, we choose to discuss: i) the peculiarities of quantum walks (QW), as compared to classical random walks; ii) quantum cryptography and its applications.Two activities -illustrating the basis of QWs and of the BB84 quantum key distribution protocol-were actively performed by the public.The outcome of a satisfaction survey is extremely positive, encouraging us to explore this approach in different educational contexts.
The article presents an in-depth analysis of the topics covered by this second Vasco Ronchi Colloquium (VRC), held on March 27th 2024 at the Arcetri headquarters of the National Institute of Optics of CNR, entitled “(QU)BITS OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER” and focusing on quantum technologies for sensing and security. The VR Colloquia are a format of brief targeted meetings, designed specifically by CNR-INO for boosting the interaction between researchers from the institute and businesses with an effective approach which could trigger the start of a collaboration aimed at the technology transfer of the research results. The two VRCs experienced at CNR-INO have proven effective in capturing corporate interest and initiating collaborations for the transfer of technologies to the market, both with lower and higher TRLs. The fields of application of quantum technologies developed at CNR-INO and presented here range from biomedical imaging to next-generation sensors, to new data encoding methods for secure applications and transmissions. The experience of a spin-off in the reference sector that participates in the VRC serves as an important example of successful technology transfer in this specific market. At the same time, the VRC provides a valuable opportunity for spin-offs, offering a boost for potential new trade connections and opportunities for collaboration with entrepreneurs.
Quantum Physics is a cornerstone of modern science and technology, yet a comprehensive approach to integrating it into school curricula and communicating its foundations to policymakers, industrial stakeholders, and the general public has yet to be established. In this paper, we discuss the rationale for introducing entanglement and Bell’s Inequalities (BI) to a non-expert audience, and how these topics have been presented in the exhibition “Dire l’indicibile” (“Speaking the unspeakable”), as a part of the Italian Quantum Weeks project. Our approach meets the challenge of simplifying quantum concepts without sacrificing their core meaning, specifically avoiding the risks of oversimplification and inaccuracy. Through interactive activities, including a card game demonstration and the staging of CHSH experiments, participants explore the fundamental differences between classical and quantum probabilistic predictions. They gain insights into the significance of BI verification experiments and the implications of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics. Preliminary results from both informal and formal assessment sessions are encouraging, suggesting the effectiveness of this approach.
This review explores the Second Quantum Revolution, which builds on the foundations of the first to advance quantum science and technology significantly. We examine the diverse fields under this revolution, including quantum information technologies, quantum electromechanical systems, coherent quantum electronics, quantum optics, and coherent matter technologies. Assess the societal and ethical implications of the second quantum revolution and provide insights into its potential impact on various sectors, including healthcare, finance, communication, and technology, the knowledge dissemination and awareness of the second quantum revolution. The review emphasizes the transformative potential of these advancements for the economy, computing, and communication networks. Additionally, we address the critical challenges that must be overcome, such as the development of fault-tolerant quantum systems and the seamless integration of quantum and classical technologies. Ethical considerations related to privacy, security, and societal impacts are also discussed, highlighting the need for a thoughtful reevaluation of quantum technology's role in modern society. Ultimately, this review outlines the immense opportunities presented by the Second Quantum Revolution while providing insights into the multifaceted challenges it faces, setting the stage for future research and innovation in this groundbreaking field.
We describe the design and realization of an interactive art exhibition on the theme of quantum physics. The exhibition comprises five installations, developed by a group of scientists and artists based in Zurich, Switzerland, at the time of development. The installations are interactive art pieces, and their goals are to raise awareness of the general public and policy and government officials toward quantum computing, to provoke viewers’ questions on how quantum phenomena work, and to inspire them to learn more about quantum physics. Scientific experts in the field acted as ambassadors during the exhibition, delivering a guided experience to the visitors. The exhibition was showcased during the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2020 as part of the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich Pavillion.
Quantum physics emerged from the failures of classical physics to explain many physical phenomena. Quantum physics has contributed immensely to science and underpinned modern technologies. The UN-designated International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (2025) recognizes the centenary of the birth of quantum mechanics as a complete theory and its profound contribution to the first quantum revolution, which has given us computers, mobile phones, lasers, GPS and MRI. Also a second quantum revolution is poised to provide unprecedented computing ability through quantum computers, secure communication with quantum cryptography and ultrasensitive quantum sensing devices for various diagnostic tools.