Quantum Engineering, Practical Applications of Quantum Physics and How these Might Transform Society

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 17, 2008 -- Venue: Saturday, 8th March 2008, 14:00-17:00, Queen's Buildings, School of Computer Science, Cardiff University, 5 The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA.

The quest for miniaturisation has lead to nano-scale devices consisting of only a few atomic layers exhibiting quantum effects. Quantum engineering seeks to exploit these effects to develop new applications for such devices. This remains very much a scientific and technological frontier; we perhaps can no more predict how quantum devices will change the world than the inventors of the Internet were able to envisage how it is transforming society now. Yet, quantum effects are already essential for semi-conductor technology used in everyday devices such as mobile phones and there are promising new applications in many areas of technology; from secure communication, to controlling chemical reactions, to biomedical applications, for example.

In this pubic lecture, aimed at a general audience, we will embark onto a journey into "quantum land" to provide an insight into essential quantum effects enabling such applications. We will also present potential applications and discuss their impact on society with the audience.

Admission free, but registration required by e-mail publicbookings@cardiff.ac.uk or phone (029) 2087 6936. There is a limited number of places available.

Supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and the BA as part of the National Science and Engineering week in the UK.

Further details: http://www.langbein.org/quantum

Organisers:
Dr Frank C Langbein, Cardiff University,
Dr Sonia G Schirmer, Cambridge University.

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Contact:
Frank Langbein, School of Computer Science, Cardiff University;
E-Mail: F.C.Langbein@cs.cf.ac.uk;
Phone: (029) 2087 0110.

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