Two projects most recently supported by the Quantum Quest Seed Fund (QQSF) aim to make quantum concepts more easily understood. The goal of one project is to explain how differences in cultural background influence perception and acceptance to the basic principles of quantum physics, while the other aims to use interactive digital storytelling to advance quantum literacy.
Awarded by Transformative Quantum Technologies (TQT), the fund encourages new ideas and applications for quantum technologies. QQSF uncovers opportunities to researchers from diverse fields that don’t typically work with quantum devices – this time, reaching the Faculty of Arts at the University of Waterloo. To date, 30 projects have been awarded, and over $2.8 million in funding distributed.
Through its four years of funding, the QQSF support has spurred innovation in the quantum realm at the University of Waterloo. One of several breakthroughs enabled by TQT’s funding include the development of a compact and efficient terahertz light source. Terahertz radiation holds important applications like enhancing detection capabilities to see through packaging and improving characterization methods for drugs, proteins and bacteria. Since terahertz light is particularly difficult to produce and existing sources are too bulky and power-hungry for widespread application, the demonstration of a powerful and portable Terahertz Quantum Cascade Laser has been made. Thanks to awardee Zbig Wasilweski, associate faculty member at IQC, this innovation in terahertz technology paves the way to its broad deployment.