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Working with “student LEGO enthusiasts”, they have developed a fully functional LEGO interferometer kit that consists of lasers, mirrors, beamsplitters and, of course, some LEGO bricks.
The set, designed as a teaching aid for secondary-school pupils and older, is aimed at making quantum science more accessible and engaging as well as demonstrating the basic principles of interferometry such as interference patterns.
“Developing this project made me realise just how incredibly similar my work as a quantum scientist is to the hands-on creativity of building with LEGO,” notes Nottingham quantum physicist Patrik Svancara. “It’s an absolute thrill to show the public that cutting-edge research isn’t just complex equations. It’s so much more about curiosity, problem-solving, and gradually bringing ideas to life, brick by brick!”
A team at Cardiff University will now work on the design and develop materials that can be used to train science teachers with the hope that the sets will eventually be made available throughout the UK.
“We are sharing our experiences, LEGO interferometer blueprints, and instruction manuals across various online platforms to ensure our activities have a lasting impact and reach their full potential,” adds Svancara.
If you want to see the LEGO interferometer in action for yourself then it is being showcased at the Cosmic Titans: Art, Science, and the Quantum Universe exhibition at Nottingham’s Djanogly Art Gallery, which runs until 27 April.
2 In quantum cryptography, who eavesdrops on Alice and Bob?
(Courtesy: Andy Roberts IBM Research/Science Photo Library)
3 Which artist made the Quantum Cloud sculpture in London?
4 IBM used which kind of atoms to create its Quantum Mirage image?
5 When Werner Heisenberg developed quantum mechanics on Helgoland in June 1925, he had travelled to the island to seek respite from what? A His allergies B His creditors C His funders D His lovers
6 According to the State of Quantum 2024 report, how many countries around the world had government initiatives in quantum technology at the time of writing? A 6 B 17 C 24 D 33
7 The E91 quantum cryptography protocol was invented in 1991. What does the E stand for? A Edison B Ehrenfest C Einstein D Ekert
8 British multinational consumer-goods firm Reckitt sells a “Quantum” version of which of its household products? A Air Wick freshener B Finish dishwasher tablets C Harpic toilet cleaner D Vanish stain remover
9 John Bell’s famous theorem of 1964 provides a mathematical framework for understanding what quantum paradox? A Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen B Quantum indefinite causal order C Schrödinger’s cat D Wigner’s friend
10 Which celebrated writer popularized the notion of Schrödinger’s cat in the mid-1970s? A Douglas Adams B Margaret Atwood C Arthur C Clarke D Ursula K le Guin
11 Which of these isn’t an interpretation of quantum mechanics? A Copenhagen B Einsteinian C Many worlds D Pilot wave
12 Which of these companies is not a real quantum company? A Qblox B Qruise C Qrypt D Qtips
13 Which celebrity was spotted in the audience at a meeting about quantum computers and music in London in December 2022? A Peter Andre B Peter Capaldi C Peter Gabriel D Peter Schmeichel
14 What of the following birds has not yet been chosen by IBM as the name for different versions of its quantum hardware? A Condor B Eagle C Flamingo D Peregrine
15 When quantum theorist Erwin Schrödinger fled Nazi-controlled Vienna in 1938, where did he hide his Nobel-prize medal? A In a filing cabinet B Under a pot plant C Behind a sofa D In a desk drawer
16 Which of the following versions of the quantum Hall effect has not been observed so far in the lab? A Fractional quantum Hall effect B Anomalous fractional quantum Hall effect C Anyonic fractional quantum Hall effect D Excitonic fractional quantum Hall effect
17 What did Quantum Coffee on Front Street West in Toronto call its recently launched pastry, which is a superposition of a croissant and muffin? A Croissin B Cruffin C Muffant D Muffcro
18 What destroyed the Helgoland guest house where Heisenberg stayed in 1925 while developing quantum mechanics? A A bomb B A gas leak C A rat infestation D A storm
This quiz is for fun and there are no prizes. Answers will be revealed on the Physics World website in April.
This article forms part of Physics World‘s contribution to the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), which aims to raise global awareness of quantum physics and its applications.
Stayed tuned to Physics World and our international partners throughout the next 12 months for more coverage of the IYQ.
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