Quantum Physics and the Science of Light

Dr. John Donohue is a quantum physicist and science communicator, currently acting as the Scientific Outreach Manager at the Institute for Quantum Computing and University of Waterloo. He holds a PhD in Physics and Quantum Information, and has conducted research in quantum optics in Canada and Germany. At IQC, John works to break down quantum mechanics to its essence, through classes, workshops, activities, and exhibits. John is interested in how to “count” light by measuring photons, the individual and indivisible particles that make it up. A single photon is too dim to see with our eyes, but scientists have come up with special techniques to generate and measure them using special electronics, high-power lasers, and color-changing crystals. We’ll talk about how using single photons and quantum physics, we can build new kinds of communications networks and design measurements with incredible sensitivity.