On 16 May, our research institute will once again open its doors to the general public interested in scientific results. Our Day of Light event will offer an exciting mix of traditional and novel, unique demonstrations.
The uniqueness of the upcoming event lies in the fact that this year, the world is commemorating the centenary of the birth of quantum science. We too are joining in these celebrations, as there are myriad connections between this discipline and our institute. However, we are not the only beneficiaries. Quantum results are used in imaging and LED technologies, optical networks, modern communication systems and, of course, lasers. This is the present, but the future holds promises of extraordinary progress.
Quantum computers under development will work at an incredible speed. Quantum sensors are expected to provide extremely accurate geological and medical measurements. Quantum chemistry will help model the interaction of drug molecules and biological systems. Quantum encryption will take secure data transfer to a new level. These developments are based on the discoveries of brilliant researchers such as Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg, Erwin Schrödinger, Wolfgang Pauli, Paul Dirac, John Clauser, Anton Zeilinger, János (John von) Neumann, Jenő (Eugene) Wigner and Kornél Lánczos. Our event will also pay tribute to their achievements – the how will be revealed on the spot. However, we can tell you in advance that we will talk about the history of quantum physics, the photon, the significance of randomness, the quantum state and quantum entanglement.
During the evening, visitors can choose from programmes running in parallel.
I. Lectures
17:15 Attosecond pulses, the ELI ALPS and light-related Nobel prizes – prof. Katalin Varjú, science director
18:15 The past of quantum physics – dr. Szabolcs Hack, research fellow
19:15 The present of quantum physics – dr. Szabolcs Hack, research fellow
20:15 The future of quantum physics – dr. Szabolcs Hack, research fellow
II. Demonstrations
1. Laser safety eyewear (Zoltán Jóri; for all ages)
2. Mirror, mirror…– demonstration by the Optical Workshop (Zénó Szabó; recommended for ages 12+)
3. Laser-based measuring devices at ELI ALPS (Zoltán Herbich; recommended for ages 10+)
4. Hands-on experience with optomechanical components (Bence Kovács; for all ages)
5. Electromagnetic interactions (Konrád Törőcsik; recommended for ages 14+)
6. Lasers at ELI ALPS (Imre Seres; recommended for ages 14+)
7. Insights into laser pulse amplification (dr. Viktor Pajer; recommended for ages 14+)
8. The double-slit interference experiment (dr. Attila Tóth; recommended for ages 14+)
9. Pulse slalom (Andor Körmöczi; recommended for ages 12+)
10. Writing with laser light (Ferenc Ignácz; recommended for ages 10+)
11. Virtual laboratory tour with VR goggles (dr. Zsuzsanna Márton, dr. Tamás Csizmadia; recommended for ages 14+)
12. Freezing experiments (dr. Ábrók Levente; recommended for ages 12+)
13. Total reflection (Rajaram Shrestha; recommended for ages 12+; in English)
14. Beam collimator (Rajaram Shrestha; recommended for ages 10+; in English)
15. Observation of ultrafast processes (Gergely Nagy; recommended for ages 12+)
16. Interesting features of the building complex of ELI ALPS (Zoltán Leindler; recommended for ages 12+)
III. Games
1. Laser chess (Balázs Farkas; for all ages)
2. Quantum hunt (recommended for ages 10+)
3. Quantum casino (Lázár Tóth, dr. Abhishek Gupta, Dániel Kiss; recommended for ages 14+)
4. Science T-Shirt competition (for all ages)
IV. Visit to the Focus interactive visitor space (István Dóra, Zoltán Filus, Antónia Gera, Vera Horváth; recommended for ages 12+)
V. Popular science posters
1. Flashes of facts (recommended for ages 12+)
2. Knowledge quanta (recommended for ages 14+)
VI. Guided tours (dr. Nikolett Oláh, Krisztina Trényi-Sárosi, Júlia Dudás; recommended for ages 12+)
We reserve the right to modify the programme.
Event venue: ELI ALPS Laser Research Institute, Szeged, Wolfgang Sandner u. 3.
Opening hours: 5 pm to 9 pm on Friday, 16 May 2025
The event is free of charge but requires prior registration. To register, please use this link: https://indico.eli-laser.eu/event/212/
We welcome all interested people!