A revolutionary immersive mixed reality experience called "Quantum Lens" that uses a state-of-the art Apple Vision Pro headset to overlay the abstract world of quantum physics has been launched to bring this phenomena to life in the gallery space.
Quantum Lens was launched at a sold-out event by, Sir Peter Knight, a leading expert in quantum technology and government scientific adviser, and artist duo Daria Jelonek and Perry-James Sugden, who create work as Studio Above&Below.
At the launch Sir Peter Knight introduced the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, celebrating a century of quantum mechanics since its foundation in 1925. He highlighted the transformative impact of quantum mechanics on technology and our understanding of reality.
Quantum mechanics has revolutionised our world, from GPS and atomic clocks to medical imaging. Collaborating with artists like Daria and Perry allows us to explore these concepts in new and exciting ways
Sir Peter Knight discussed the first quantum revolution, which enabled technologies like semiconductors and lasers, and the ongoing second quantum revolution, which harnesses individual quantum systems for quantum computing, sensing, and metrology. He highlighted Nottingham's role in developing brain imaging using quantum sensors and explained how quantum technologies are transforming medicine, climate science, and navigation.
Studio Above&Below presented their artwork, Quantum Lens, which explores quantum entanglement, probability, and tunneling and its technological applications through an interactive experience. Using the Apple Vision Pro headset as a symbolic "quantum lens", audiences engage with virtual sculptures overlaid on the real world to create a seamless and immersive experience. "Quantum physics is vast, complex, and deeply counterintuitive. Translating its principles into an immersive, sensory experience was one of the biggest artistic challenges we've faced," said Jelonek.
The artists emphasized the importance of responsible engagement with emerging technologies and the value of art-science collaborations. "We were struck by how quantum mechanics defies our everyday intuition. Concepts like entanglement and tunneling almost feel surreal, yet they have real-world applications. We wanted to capture that sense of mystery and wonder," said Sugden.
Professor Helen Kennedy, director of the Virtual and Immersive Production Studio of the University of Nottingham, collaborated closely with the artists to develop the work. She shared her insights on how immersive technologies including virtual (VR) and mixed reality (MR) can transform public understanding of quantum physics. "Our goal isn't just to represent science—it's to create an experience that truly immerses audiences within it."
Quantum physics, with its counterintuitive and often abstract nature, presents a fascinating challenge for immersive technologies. As an emerging field, Virtual and Mixed Reality is constantly evolving, and cutting-edge technologies like the Apple Vision Pro are pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Sir Peter Knight also discussed the significance of art and science collaborations in making complex scientific concepts more accessible. "Working with artists like Studio Above&Below allows us to explore quantum physics in a whole new way. VR is an extraordinary tool that enables us to experience the strangeness of quantum concepts in a way that goes beyond traditional explanations," said Sir Peter Knight. "It's a medium that helps people feel the oddities of quantum physics, giving them an immersive experience that makes these abstract concepts tangible."
The event highlighted the growing importance of interdisciplinary collaborations in an age where technological advancements are pushing the boundaries of human understanding. As quantum technologies progress, the ability to visualize and experience quantum phenomena becomes increasingly crucial. "The power of VR lies in its ability to translate abstract, complex ideas into something that people can not only understand but experience. This is the future of communicating quantum science," concluded Sir Peter Knight.
This event marks the beginning of a new wave of projects where art and science come together to explore the depths of the unknown. Studio Above&Below were part of a bespoke artist residency programme at ARTlab, a pioneering initiative dedicated to fostering art-science collaboration and learning within the University of Nottingham's research community. This creative space is designed to bring together artists and scientists to co-create innovative projects that bridge the gap between these two fields. Moving forward, continued partnerships between scientists, artists, and technologists will play a key role both in shaping how quantum concepts are communicated to the public and as methods in research.
Working with such advanced hardware is not just about creating immersive experiences-it's a form of research and development in its own right. As immersive technologies rapidly evolve, they open exciting new opportunities for research, education and science communication. They offer unique ways to directly engage with complex concepts, involve audiences, and make abstract phenomena-like quantum mechanics-more accessible than ever before
The exhibition Cosmic Titans: Art, Science and the Quantum Universe is showing at Lakeside Arts, University of Nottingham, https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk until the 27th of April 2025, and the bespoke Mixed Reality artwork Quantum Lens can be experienced free of charge
