Quantum mechanics and the new new age

May 6, 2014Byens Lys Copenhagen
Quantum mechanics robins choice
Doors open: 19:00
Start programme: 20:00
Byens Lys
Fabriksområdet 99
Copenhagen

Do the laws of physics as we know them rule out voodoo, telepathy, telekinesis, homeopathy? Can a cat be really dead and alive at the same time? What does that even mean? What about a dog? What about you? What is a quantum computer and why does that help? Why is it so important that even NSA cares?

In the media and in certain circles one often hears that quantum mechanics is used to explain consciousness, telepathic powers, mind over matter, telekinesis, parallel universes, good vibrations, bad vibrations and even what your mother had for breakfast.

Indeed, it is said that no one has a good intuition for quantum physics, and that all kinds of strange things happen in the quantum domain. Yet, like any physical theory, quantum mechanics is designed to describe the world we see and measure, so the strangeness it embodies is limited.

What then do we see?

Charles Marcus will describe what quantum mechanics is, what it is not, and what remains unknown but possible. The perspective will be that of an experimental physicist who believes that observation, and not elegance, is our guide to understanding reality.

Later, cocktails that will make you see several copies of yourself moving in the quantum world while you have the pleasure to listen to an incredibly talented, creative and renowned musician, Kresten Osgood, who has gathered a special constellation for this evening’s Science & Cocktails event composed of Dan Peter Sundland (el bas), Ned Ferm (sax), Jimmy Nyborg (trumpet) and Kresten Osgood (drums).

Talk by

Charles Marcus

Villum Kann Rasmussen Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute in condensed matter physics. His primary research interests include physical realizations of quantum information processing systems and quantum coherence in electronic devices.

Microsofts Charlie Marcus awarded H C Orsted Gold Medal 1024x629

Music by

Kresten Osgood

Kresten Osgood is one of his generation's most important musicians. He has been called "Wild Man of the Danish Jazz Coat of Arms "and" The trend in Danish jazz ". Osgood has appeared on numerous recordings with, among others, Paul Bley, Yusef Lateef and John Tchicai and has been one of the two leading figures in the abstract hiphop group Ikscheltaschel.

Osgood