At the joint presence of the QuantumFrontiers Cluster of Excellence and Quantum Valley Lower Saxony at IdeenExpo 2024, schoolchildren explored the limits of the measurable step by step. First, they used a Lego model to discover how surfaces can be scanned using a needle. Next to this Lego atomic force microscope, a real atomic force microscope was waiting to make nanometre-sized structures visible. For a final immersion in the quantum world, the Quantum Technology Competence Centre of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt offered a virtual tour of the ion trap laboratories in Braunschweig. The young people were able to operate lasers themselves and, like the scientists working on optical clocks and quantum computers, catch individual ions. In addition to the exhibits, the MasterClasses and the foeXlab jointly offered workshops for pupils.

More than 430,000 visitors discovered the Ideenexpo from 8 to 16 June. The new record number of participants was reflected in the well-attended exhibits and full workshops. QuantumFrontiers and QVLS appeared at Ideenexpo 2024 as part of the TU Braunschweig stand.

Photo credits: Hannah Kreß/TU Braunschweig