Hands-On Quantum Science at the Uni Stuttgart Science Day 2026
IQST joined Science Day 2026 at the University of Stuttgart, where many children, families, and visitors of all ages came together to discover research through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
At the Quantum Corner, researchers and students from the Group of Simone Portalupi (IHFG, Uni Stuttgart) introduced visitors to the fascinating world of quantum science and technology through a series of interactive demonstrations. Highlights included experiments on luminescence, a live demonstration of quantum key distribution, and an activity in which visitors could have their photographs encrypted and decrypted in real time before taking home a printed souvenir.
Visitors also discovered the fascinating phenomenon of quantum levitation through an interactive demonstration presented by Jan Pusskeiler (PI1, Uni Stuttgart), a student of the IQST Graduate School @QuantumBW. Using a superconductor cooled with liquid nitrogen, the exhibit illustrated how quantum effects can enable stable levitation above a magnetic track.
In addition, researchers from the Giessen Group (PI4, Uni Stuttgart) plasmonic detectors for single photons, demonstrating how superconducting technologies enable the fast and efficient detection of light at the quantum level.
The enthusiasm and curiosity of the many young visitors and their families made Science Day a wonderful opportunity to spark interest in quantum science and technology, engage with the public, and showcase the exciting research taking place across the IQST network.
We thank everyone who visited the Quantum Corner and helped make the day such an enjoyable and inspiring event.
Photo © IQST