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4 Photon, Duality, Quantum Teleportation: An Experience of Studying the Nature of Light
Light and Quantum: From Historical Issues to Future Technology
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
The debate over whether light is a wave or a particle has been going on for many years, but in the 19th century, the view that light is a wave became widely accepted. However, in the early 20th century, Einstein proposed that light also has particle properties, eventually leading to the discovery of photons. This gave rise to the concept of quantum, which encompasses both wave and particle properties. Today, research on light and quantum has advanced significantly and is being applied in a wide range of fields related to our daily lives, such as sensors, communications, and computers. This exhibition will feature historical experiments that elucidated the true nature of light, as well as the latest quantum computer using light, which is scheduled to begin operation at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).
ART
The World of the Optical Quantum Computer
Koichiro Eto + ARARE STUDIO
2025
The theme of this exhibition is “The World of the Optical Quantum Computer.” A mock-up of an optical quantum computer stands in the center, surrounded by works that project footage of experiments related to the quantum nature of light, including Thomas Young’s double-slit experiment, on monitors from various eras. Visitors are invited to revisit quantum mechanics through sensory experience, encountering its history and the quantum realm, where multiple states coexist probabilistically, and glimpsing the future envisioned by the optical quantum computer.
Video courtesy of Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
Mock-up production: OptQC Corp.
Cooperation: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Optical Quantum Computer
Quantum computers come in various forms, such as superconducting circuits, cold atoms, ion traps, and silicon-based devices-all of which are actively being developed by research institutions and companies around the world.
This exhibit features a model of one such system: an optical quantum computer developed by OptQC Inc., a startup originating from the University of Tokyo.
This type of quantum computer performs calculations using pulses of light, applying a technology called quantum teleportation, which transmits quantum information over long distances through quantum entanglement. This technique was first successfully demonstrated in 1998 by a research group at the University of Tokyo, and it remains a key area of interest for the future of quantum technologies.
Through this model, you can visually explore the mechanisms and features of a photonic quantum computer and enjoy a glimpse into the emerging shape of the quantum world.
Note: The optical quantum computer developed by OptQC Inc. is scheduled to operate at G-QUAT (Global Quantum-Al Technology Research Center), located within the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).
Light-based quantum computer (partial) ⓒ OptQC
Related Informatin:
◼︎ National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) ➡Go to website
◼︎ OptQC Corp. ➡Go to website
◼︎ Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI technology (G-QuAT) ➡Go to website
