Communicating Quantum Mechanics to the Chinese Public: “A Guide to Roaming the Quantum World” Exhibition as a Case Study

Author: Kun Li – Hefei TanAo Automation CO., LTD, China

Co-authors:

  • Hujun Yuan – Hefei TanAo Automation CO., LTD, China

Several years ago, the Chinese government decided that quantum technology would be a national priority for research and development. China constructed the world’s first secure quantum telecommunications trunk line and then launched the world’s first quantum technology experiment satellite. Following these achievements, public enthusiasm for quantum technology was at an all-time high. However, the concept of quantum mechanics is difficult to grasp for the public, as the microscopic and macroscopic worlds are governed by completely different physical laws. Moreover, quantum mechanics is not taught as part of the compulsory science education curriculum. Hence, beyond a passing familiarity with the word “quantum”, most people do not understand what a quantum is or what its special characteristics are. Popular science exhibition planners are now concerned with the problem of how to communicate knowledge of quantum mechanics in an easily understandable format for the general public.

To address this issue, we have designed a temporary exhibition on quantum mechanics called “A Guide to Roaming the Quantum World” which references the style of successful commercial exhibitions in China. We employ gaming and immersive experience as our main methods, integrated with elements of the cultural trends and internet language popular among contemporary youth. At the same time, we restrict the use of abstruse technical terms and avoid textbook-style explanations. Exhibition visitors start off in the “What is a Quantum?” display area, and then move through the “World of the Atom”, “Counterintuitive Universe”, “Quantum Space”, and “Applications of Quantum Mechanics” displays, which are designed to help them understand the definition, special characteristics, and applications of quanta. Along the way, visitors will encounter classic experiments such as the Schrodinger’s cat and double-slit experiments, as well as presentations of China’s quantum mechanics research, such as the Quantum Experiments at Space Scale program.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Visual presentation
Theme: Technology