student team renders superposition Tangible with TNO

Experiencing superposition firsthand

The art installation Coexist exemplifies this approach. It visualises the quantum principles of ‘superposition’ and ‘the act of measurement’. Superposition refers to the phenomenon whereby a particle (such as an atom or photon) can exist in multiple states simultaneously. Only when one measures or observes the particle is it ‘compelled’ to adopt a single state, thereby eliminating the superposition. This moment of measurement is termed ‘the act of measurement’.

These principles are challenging to explain, according to Willemijn van den Berg, an Industrial Design student and operations manager of Emergence. ‘With Coexist, we utilise light to render these concepts more tangible. At the centre of the installation stands a white light source. The white light, which is actually a combination of all colours in the visible spectrum, symbolises superposition. Surrounding the light source are large frames with polarisation filters of various dimensions, through which visitors are invited to look. These filters isolate individual colours from the white light. As they rotate, they permit different light waves to pass through, resulting in the perception of different colours. This enables people to experience both superposition and ‘the act of measurement’ for themselves.’

TNO as a knowledge partner

The Coexist project facilitated Emergence’s introduction to TNO. Anouk recounts: ‘For Coexist, we collaborated with Qutech, a research institute at TU Delft that runs its own quantum computer. One of the staff members at Qutech was acquainted with a quantum expert at TNO and established contact between us. TNO is now one of our principal financial backers and an invaluable knowledge partner.’

‘This summer, we shall travel to the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, alongside TNO. As Emergence Delft, we are organising two panel discussions on quantum technology in the Dutch pavilion. The first will address the integration of art and technology and its significance, whilst the second will explore the future of quantum technology and related policy development. TNO will participate in the latter discussion. Additionally, we shall exhibit our Coexist project in Osaka.’