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Quantum Simulators for Fundamental Physics

Lead Research Organisation: University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Mathematical Sciences

Abstract

Experiments play a vital role in the field of physics. In order for an idea or theory to gain credibility, it must undergo rigorous testing. However, there are certain areas of great interest in physics, such as the nature of black holes or the early Universe, that pose challenges when it comes to conducting direct laboratory tests. The extreme densities and energies involved make it impossible to reproduce these conditions exactly.

Fortunately, in recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of "simulators" - experimental devices that mimic these extreme conditions with a high level of accuracy. These simulators have allowed scientists to confirm some of the most astounding predictions of Einstein's general relativity. But now, we are taking a step further by miniaturising these experimental analogues to a scale where quantum effects come into play.

Thanks to recent advancements in quantum technology, we are on the verge of creating quantum simulators. These remarkable devices will enable us to study and understand some of the most enigmatic processes in the Universe. By harnessing the power of quantum mechanics, we can delve into the mysteries surrounding black holes and the early stages of our Universe, exploring phenomena that were previously inaccessible.

Through these quantum simulators, we hope to unlock new insights and uncover the secrets of the cosmos. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible in experimental physics, we are embarking on a thrilling journey to expand our understanding of the fundamental workings of the Universe.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Title Cosmic Titans: Art, Science and the Quantum Universe 
Description This free exhibition unites art and science in a captivating exploration of the quantum universe, celebrating the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. The exhibition features new commissions by nine artists who have each spent time working alongside world-leading researchers in quantum physics. Through immersive sculptural installations and photography, they give expression to the excitement, wonder and poetry of cutting-edge scientific discovery that is transforming our future. The exhibition has been curated by Professor Silke Weinfurtner in the School of Mathematical Sciences - whose pioneering work in the field of black hole simulations remains unrivalled, Dr Ulrike Kuchner, Senior Researcher in Astronomy and Art-Science collaborations in the School of Physics and Astronomy, and Neil Walker, Head of Visual Arts Programming, Lakeside Arts, with Prof. Helen Kennedy and the Virtual & Immersive Production Studio. Artists include Conrad Shawcross RA; Studio Above&Below; Alistair McClymont, Matthew Woodham, Monica C. LoCascio & daniela brill estrada, David Severn, Jim Grainger. Through art and interpretive text, audio and video, this exhibition will communicate the wonder, complexity and otherworldliness of quantum science, with the pioneering research taking place at the University of Nottingham, explained and interpreted for a general audience. A public programme of talks, workshops and tours will accompany the exhibition offering audiences the opportunity to delve deeper into the artistic-scientific collaborations underpinning the exhibition. The exhibition also incorporates a public engagement area including photography by David Severn and Jim Grainger and video interviews with leading UK quantum researchers. The exhibition includes displays of some practical equipment including our Lego Interferometer. 
Type Of Art Artistic/Creative Exhibition 
Year Produced 2025 
Impact We are already seeing very high viewer numbers for the exhibition, compared to similar exhibitions at the gallery. The artwork has contributed significantly to the Art/Science body of work. The exhibition has proved to be very successful with interest from other exhibition spaces both nationally and internationally. We are currently in negotiation for the artworks to tour. 
URL https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/exhibition/cosmictitans/
 
Title Lego Interferometer 
Description Researchers from the University of Nottingham's Gravity Laboratory, alongside student LEGO enthusiasts, have developed unique LEGO-based interferometer kits to make quantum science more accessible and engaging. The kits are designed for secondary and older pupils, embracing a hands-on approach with LEGO bricks that are suitable for classroom use. The fully functional LEGO interferometer sets are designed to replicate professional optical equipment, bridging the gap between abstract concepts of cutting-edge technology and tangible demonstrations that captivate live audiences. With easy-to-follow instructions, these kits serve as valuable teaching aids, inspiring the next generation of scientists. Featuring lasers, mirrors, and beamsplitters, the kits demonstrate the principles of interferometry. When two laser beams are combined, they create a delicate, alternating pattern of dark and bright stripes, known as an interference pattern. This pattern is highly sensitive to even the tiniest changes in the lengths of the beams, otherwise imperceivable to our senses. Interferometry has a range of practical applications that touch our daily lives. For example, it enables eye doctors to capture detailed images of the retina, helping in precise diagnoses and treatment of eye conditions. It's also used to improve navigation systems by providing us with the most accurate rotation sensors. In science, interferometry plays a crucial role in detecting gravitational waves, which are ripples in spacetime caused by massive cosmic events, allowing astronomers to gain new insights into the Universe. This project, titled Photon Bricks and led by Dr. Patrik Svancara, a Research Fellow from the School of Mathematical Sciences, is funded under the UKRI's Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics Programme, which demonstrates how quantum technologies can explore key physics questions, such as dark matter, gravity, and the quantum properties of elementary particles. 
Type Of Art Artefact (including digital) 
Year Produced 2025 
Impact Photon Bricks is currently showcased at the exhibition Cosmic Titans: Art, Science, and the Quantum Universe at the Djanogly Art Gallery in Nottingham. Running from 25 January to 27 April 2025, the exhibition features hands-on workshops and public demonstrations of Photon Bricks. Visitors can interact with the scientists behind Photon Bricks, observe the LEGO interferometer in action, and learn the basic principles of interferometry. The first workshop was fully booked months in advance. School workshops, also using the Lego Interferometer have been very popular with 90 students and staff members attending. Copies of the interferometer are being produced for these workshops and will be loaned to schools later in the year. 
URL https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/photon-bricks-a-lego-set-for-playful-quantum-explorations
 
Description Engagement via Quantum and Classical light waves
Amount £110,000 (GBP)
Funding ID ST/Z510403/1 
Organisation Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2024 
End 03/2025
 
Description Article in New Scientist 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Popular science magazine New Scientist is reporting on our recent results obtained in superfluid helium. In the article, Silke Weinfurtner and Patrik Svancara from the Gravity Laboratory are discussing how giant quantum vortices can be experimentally studied, and why they hold importance for the research of curved spacetime dynamics and particularly rotating black holes via analogue gravity.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Article in Physics World - LEGO interferometer aims to put quantum science in the spotlight 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Article highlighting the outreach / engagement element of the Cosmic Titans exhibition - in particular the Lego Interferometer.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://physicsworld.com/a/lego-interferometer-aims-to-put-quantum-science-in-the-spotlight/
 
Description Article in local newspaper - Cosmic Titans: Art, Science and the Quantum Universe at Lakeside Arts 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A long article looking at the Cosmic Titans exhibition.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://leftlion.co.uk/features/2025/02/cosmic-titans-art-science-and-the-quantum-universe-at-lakesi...
 
Description Cosmic Titans - Launch Event 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The Opening Event for our Cosmic Titans exhibition, with invited guests and also open to members of the public (advanced booking required)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
 
Description Cosmic Titans Exhibition - Press Outreach and Launch 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact A press launch for the Cosmic Titans exhibition, including tours by the scientists and artists involved, with explanations of the ideas behind the works.

Approximately 12 journalists attended. Follow-up material was supplied (press release, images) which can be accessed at the URL below.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/about/press/
 
Description Demonstration: Quantum Lego 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact 6 workshops on different dates that explore the fascinating world of quantum mechanics and the mystery of light with Dr Patrik Švancara. Starting with an experiment using Lego and lasers, audiences will discover the perplexing behaviour of single photons that defies our common understanding.
The workshops were fully booked and we had to add more
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/demonstration-quantum-lego/
 
Description Exhibition: Cosmic Titans: Art, Science and the Quantum Universe 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact This free exhibition unites art and science in a captivating exploration of the quantum universe, celebrating the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. The exhibition features new commissions by nine artists who have each spent time working alongside world-leading researchers in quantum physics. Through immersive sculptural installations and photography, they give expression to the excitement, wonder and poetry of cutting-edge scientific discovery that is transforming our future.

The exhibition has been curated by Professor Silke Weinfurtner in the School of Mathematical Sciences - whose pioneering work in the field of black hole simulations remains unrivalled, Dr Ulrike Kuchner, Senior Researcher in Astronomy and Art-Science collaborations in the School of Physics and Astronomy, and Neil Walker, Head of Visual Arts Programming, Lakeside Arts, with Prof. Helen Kennedy and the Virtual & Immersive Production Studio.

Artists include Conrad Shawcross RA; Studio Above&Below; Alistair McClymont, Matthew Woodham, Monica C. LoCascio & daniela brill estrada, David Severn, Jim Grainger.

Through art and interpretive text, audio and video, this exhibition will communicate the wonder, complexity and otherworldliness of quantum science, with the pioneering research taking place at the University of Nottingham, explained and interpreted for a general audience. A public programme of talks, workshops and tours will accompany the exhibition offering audiences the opportunity to delve deeper into the artistic-scientific collaborations underpinning the exhibition. The exhibition also incorporates a public engagement area including photography by David Severn and Jim Grainger and video interviews with leading UK quantum researchers.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/exhibition/cosmictitans/
 
Description Facebook Reel - Off Out Nottingham 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A Facebook 'Reel' Publicising the Cosmic Titans exhibition
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.facebook.com/reel/1202365581250883
 
Description Instagram post - Nottingham Trent Student Union 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact An Instagram post highlighting individual works from the Cosmic Titans exhibition
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.instagram.com/p/DFNtERboxlU/?hl=en-gb
 
Description Instagram post - Nottingham Trent Student Union 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact An instagram post publicising the Cosmic Titans exhibition
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.instagram.com/p/DFZ1g7ZIvmf/?hl=en-gb&img_index=1
 
Description Interview on Notts Today 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Dr. Patrik Svancara, postdoc part of our research team, has been invited for an interview on Notts Today, a TV show dedicated to news and views for all things in Nottingham. He discussed his unique interferometer, built entirely with LEGO, which is currently featured in an art exhibition at the Lakeside Arts gallery. His work beautifully blends science and creativity, offering visitors a fresh perspective on experimental physics through an artistic lens.
Watch the full interview at the below URL, starting from min. 15.57!
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://nottstv.com/programme/notts-today-thursday-27th-february/
 
Description Lego Interferometer picture selected by Nature 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Our PhD student Leonardo Solidoro took a wonderful picture of our "LEGO with lasers", and has been selected to be part of a Nature article . Complete with fully functioning lasers, mirrors, and beam splitters, this 'LEGO interferometer' was designed by researchers at the University of Nottingham, UK, and can be seen in action at a public exhibition at the university's Djanogly Art Gallery. The model replicates more-high-tech instruments that physicists use to probe materials, or even to measure the nearly imperceptible motions caused by gravitational waves. When two laser beams are combined, they create an interference pattern of alternating dark and bright stripes, which is highly sensitive to even the tiniest changes in the lengths of the beams.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.nature.com/immersive/d41586-025-00576-4/index.html
 
Description Magazine article - Notts Going On - Cosmic Titans and Paul Smith's Barbour collection 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A magazine article previewing the Cosmic Titans exhibition
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.thenottsedit.com/p/notts-going-on-27-01-25
 
Description National Newspaper - News in pictures: Saturday January 25, 2025 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Inclusion of an image of the Cosmic Titans exhibition in a photo round up of International News
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.thetimes.com/uk/photography-uk/article/news-in-pictures-0wvvjjkbw
 
Description New Scientist article - exhibition uses art to explore the mysteries of the quantum world 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Magazine article covering the Cosmic Titans exhibition
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://institutions.newscientist.com/article/mg26535340-200-exhibition-uses-art-to-explore-the-myst...
 
Description Nottingham Trent University Students Union Newspaper Preview - GALLERY: Nottingham exhibition bringing scientists' 'invisible' findings to life 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact An exhibition preview including information about the Lego outreach activity
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.platformmagazine.co.uk/news/gallery-nottingham-exhibition-brings-scientists-invisible-fi...
 
Description Preview Article - Cosmic Titans 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A preview article featuring the Cosmic Titans exhibition - see page 35 on the URL below
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://issuu.com/leftlion/docs/leftlion_february_2025_issue_180
 
Description Public Event - Cosmic Titans: Opening Talk 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A public talk to mark the opening of our exhibition:
"As we launch our new exhibition Cosmic Titans, join us for this introduction talk. This is an opportunity to learn more about the works in Cosmic Titans and the ideas behind their creation with co-curator Dr Ulrike Kuchner and a panel of participating artists."
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/cosmic-titans-opening-talk/
 
Description QTFP Meeting Glasgow 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation of posters - a number of members of the QSimFP Community presented
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
 
Description Schools Lego Interferometer Workshops 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact 4 x workshops connecting schools with the Cosmic Titans exhibition in meaningful ways. The sessions were targeted at Years 12 and 13, and in particular pupils studying physics.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://artlab-nottingham.com/photon-bricks/
 
Description TV Report - Cosmic Titans: Art, Science and the Quantum Universe will be free to visit until April 27th 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A local TV report on the Cosmic Titans exhibition
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp1bRYvb2VY
 
Description Talk: Quantum Technologies 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A public talk:
"Join us for a discussion between Sir Peter Knight FRS, Imperial College London and artist duo 'Studio Above & Below'. Discover the impact of quantum physics and technology on our daily lives through the lens of art and science in this discussion."
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/quantum-technologies/
 
Description The UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2024 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact "Overview
Innovate UK, in collaboration with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (UKNQTP) are excited to announce this year's UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase.
Explore the expanding landscape of quantum technology commercialisation and industrial advancement in the UK, where approximately half of all quantum businesses in Europe call home."

We attended the event, previewing artworks from the Cosmic Titans exhibition, and the Lego Interferometer project.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/events/uk-national-quantum-technologies-showcase-2024/