Light pushes stuff
Dr André Xuereb and Dr Vittorio Peano
Quantum Optomechanics, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, University of Malta
The microscopic world has been a source of fascination for centuries. Over the past hundred years we have learnt that some very strange things happen in the world of the very small: Objects can be in two places at the same time and teleportation is fact, not fiction. This is the realm of quantum mechanics.
An interesting phenomenon that exists all around us but only becomes apparent at the microscopic scale is that light can push objects around. Just like leaves flapping in the breeze, tiny objects can be pushed one way or the other simply by shining light at them. This is now an active and fascinating field of science which promises to give us quantum drums, computers that use light instead of electricity, and small beads of glass being in two places at once.
We will go through some of the more intriguing and wonderful aspects of this topic and talk about how this research is giving rise to new technologies developed by researchers at the University of Malta and their colleagues around the world.
Following this talk there will be a lively discussion where André and Vittorio will be answering questions from the audience.
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Malta Café Scientifique thanks the STEAM project, funded as a Erasmus+ Key Action 2 Strategic Partnership, Spazju Kreattiv for hosting this event, the University of Malta, Malta Chamber of Scientists (of which Malta Café Scientifique forms part).
