International experts shed new light on old conundrum of quantum measurement

Quantum foundations – at theoretical physics’ fuzzy boundary with the philosophy of science – seeks to understand ultimate implications of quantum theory; how to make them testable; and how to reveal the boundaries and limits of quantum theory’s applicability.

Quantum thermodynamics on the other hand has made large strides in recent years in explaining how equilibrium arises in quantum systems and what governs fundamental energetics at the quantum scale, where fluctuations and quantum effects show their unavoidable impact. 

Michael Dascal (Fidelity Investments), Laria Figurato (3rd poster prize, University of Trieste), Prabhav Jain (1st poster prize, TU Darmstadt), Oisín Culhane (2nd poster prize, Trinity), Prof Felix Binder (School of Physics, Trinity).

Exploring quantum measurement conundra

Participants delved into the latest advancements and challenges in giving an account of how the classical – i.e. non-quantum – world we experience arises from fundamental laws of nature, which is ultimately described by quantum theory.

The conference was unique in its integration of quantum foundations and quantum thermodynamics, showcasing how these fields intersect and complement each other. Researchers explored the classical, non-quantum world's emergence from a quantum description of the universe, and how modern accounts of quantum thermodynamics could reconcile with descriptions of quantum measurement. 

Another theme at the conference was paradoxes that arise from quantum measurement, such as the Wigner's Friend thought experiment, where an experimenter measuring a quantum system (Wigner’s friend) and another one (Wigner) who observes the first experimenter can come to incompatible conclusions about what has happened. Innovative approaches were presented to test such paradoxes using future quantum computers.

Prof. Felix Binder, local organiser and assistant professor in Trinity’s School of Physics, said: “This conference has been deeply inspiring, highlighting recent exciting results from different corners of foundational physics. I am excited about the many new ideas and new research directions that emerge from them. We are immensely grateful to our sponsors and participants for making this event possible and for providing a milestone for the field.”

Dr Alessandro Candeloro, also a local organiser and a research fellow in Trinity’s School of Physics, added: “The interdisciplinary nature of the conference, bringing together quantum foundations and quantum thermodynamics, along with related areas such as non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, open quantum systems, many-body physics, and the philosophy of physics, has been incredibly enriching.”

Peter O’Donovan (Trinity) explains his research to Karen Hovhannisyan (University of Potsdam) during the poster session.

Dr Maximilian Lock, a conference committee member from TU Wien, emphasised the importance of the discussions, saying: “The presentations and debates this week have underscored the underpreciated role of measurement in quantum theory. The ideas and results shared here will undoubtedly inspire new research directions, and have already done so during discussions at the conference.”

Sophie Engineer, a PhD candidate at Heriot-Watt University and the University of Bristol, and a speaker at the conference, added: “Presenting my research to such a distinguished audience was an incredible opportunity. The integration of quantum foundations and thermodynamics has been very fruitful and I am excited to continue contributing to this emerging research area.” 

Prominent sponsorship and support

The conference was proudly supported by the John Templeton Foundation as the main sponsor, demonstrating their commitment to fundamental science. The Foundation provided a substantial grant to Profs. Binder, Lock and colleagues for an international research collaboration, which culminated in this conference.

Additional support came from Fidelity Investments, who generously sponsored the lively poster session. Three prizes were awarded to the best scientific posters selected by a panel of judges. The Unitary Fund also contributed by providing essential fee waivers, ensuring broad participation. 

This broad support exemplifies an appetite for fundamental science, beyond technological applications, within the corporate sector and independent funding bodies.

Looking Forward

The conference concluded with a tangible sense of optimism and anticipation for future advancements at the intersection of quantum foundations and thermodynamics research. As the field continues to evolve, the collaborative efforts and insights gained from events like this will be instrumental in shaping the future of the field.

Organisers and participants parted on the hopeful note of planning for a second iteration of this conference in the coming years.

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Thomas Deane | Media Relations | deaneth@tcd.ie | +353 1 896 4685