A suitcase covered with stickers from various universities, containing a quantum light source. Since April 2024, this suitcase has been visiting scientists in Europe researching single photons: the smallest possible quantity of light. The suitcase, also called 'Q-torch', travels from lab to lab like an Olympic flame, announcing the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025.
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The suitcase left Edinburgh and arrived in Leiden this week. Over the next month, physicist Mio Poortvliet will investigate the world-class light source. Poortvliet and his colleagues in Wolfgang Löffler's group will demonstrate that this light source can be used to produce the smallest quantum particle of light: photons.
The Löffler lab does much more research than just that. They study different things within classical and quantum optics. This includes how light and matter interact at the level of very small particles, how quantum optics works in solid materials, and how to determine the position of quantum particles. Fundamental research that is crucial for a wide range of future applications of quantum technologies, such as designing an additional layer of security for our communications.
In a podcast on website Under the microscope, Löffler talks about his research.
Exploring alternative avenues? That's valuable too
The researchers also enjoy exploring alternative avenues. For instance, they are curious to know whether humans can perceive single photons, so they are applying their expertise in quantum optics to investigate the limits of human visual perception. This could potentially have applications in the field of neuroscience.
'For me personally, even more important than all these great research results is that through this work, we are educating our students and PhD candidates,' says Löffler. 'That we are passing on all this knowledge to them in a special and valuable way for their careers.'
Quantum research in full swing in Leiden
Scientists at Leiden University are studying quantum in a variety of ways. In addition to extensive fundamental research into the behaviour of quantum particles, research groups are developing algorithms for future quantum computers. They are also exploring the societal perception of quantum technologies.
Happy Quantum New Year
The year 2025 has been designated the Quantum Year, marking 100 years since scientists took the first steps in quantum mechanics. The United Nations has declared it the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, with the goal of organising activities worldwide to raise public awareness about quantum technology and the significance of quantum science and its applications.
In 2025, the Leiden Institute of Physics is organising several conferences, including Fysica 2025 and GIREP-EPEC 2025.
Quantour Europa
The QuanTour suitcase's journey started in Austria in April 2024 and can be followed on TheScienceTalk and Instagram. In total, the suitcase will visit 12 countries, visiting the following universities and scientists along the way:
- Linz, Austria, Laboratory of Armando Rastelli
- Rome, Italy, Laboratory of Rinaldo Trotta
- Basel, Switzerland, Laboratory of Richard Warburton
- Madrid, Spain, Laboratory of Carlos Antós-Solanas
- Paris, France, Laboratory of Pascale Senellart
- Cambridge, England, Laboratory of Mete Atature
- Cork, Ireland, Laboratory of Emanuele Pelucchi
- Edinburgh, Scotland, Laboratory of Brian Gerardot
- Leiden, Netherlands, Laboratory of Wolfgang Löffler
- Copenhagen, Denmark, Laboratory of Nika Akopian
- Stockholm, Sweden, Laboratory of Ana Predojevic
- Wrocław, Poland, Laboratory of Anna Musiał
