Quantum Light Source Makes Historic Stop in Poznań as Part of European QuanTour

February 28, 2025

Earlier this week, Poznań joined the prestigious European quantum physics circuit as it welcomed a special single-photon source as part of the innovative “QuanTour” project. The quantum light source arrived in the city on Monday, February 24th, marking another successful stop in its 12-month journey across European quantum laboratories.

A Warm Polish Welcome

The single-photon source was delivered by Dr. Anna Musiał who coordinates the Polish leg of this scientific tour. After the handover, the researchers took the quantum device on a mini-tour of Poznań’s scientific institutions.

Their first stop was the Enigma Cipher Centre, a fitting location given the historical connection between cryptography and quantum information science. From there, the quantum light source was transported to the ISIK, Faculty of Physics and Astronomy at Adam Mickiewicz University (UAM), where researchers and students had the opportunity to examine this cutting-edge technology.

Testing the Quantum Technology

The final destination of the day was UAM’s NanoBioMedical Centre, where initial test measurements were performed. These tests demonstrated the source’s capabilities and allowed local researchers to interact with technology at the forefront of quantum science.

“Having this single-photon source in Poznań, even briefly, provides our researchers with valuable hands-on experience with quantum technology that’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in quantum communication and computing,” said Prof. Bartkiewicz.

About QuanTour

QuanTour represents an extraordinary initiative in which a quantum light source is traveling across Europe throughout 2025, designated as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology by the United Nations. This project by the German Physical Society (DPG) will bring this source to 12 laboratories in 12 different countries over 12 months.

At each location, scientists demonstrate the quantum nature of light and share their research with both the scientific community and the public. This unique scientific roadshow combines research, education, and public outreach in celebration of quantum physics.

Organized by Doris Reiter and Tobias Heindel in collaboration with The Science Talk, QuanTour aims to make quantum physics more accessible to people across Europe while fostering collaboration between research institutions.

Before Poznań, the Source has already stopped at the following places and labs

• Linz, Austria, Laboratory of Armando Rastelli
• Rome, Italy, Laboratory of Rinaldo Trotta
• Basel, Switzerland, Laboratory of Richard Warburton
• Madrid, Spain, Laboratory of Carlos Antós-Solanas
• Paris, France, Laboratory of Pascale Senellart
• Cambridge, England, Laboratory of Mete Atature
• Cork, Ireland, Laboratory of Emanuele Pelucchi
• Edinburgh, Scotland, Laboratory of Brian Gerardot
• Leiden, Netherlands, Laboratory of Wolfgang Löffler
• Copenhagen, Denmark, Laboratory of Nika Akopian
• Stockholm, Sweden, Laboratory of Ana Predojevic
• Wrocław, Poland, Laboratory of Anna Musiał

Follow the journey of this traveling quantum light source on the QuanTour homepage (www.quantour.eu) or Instagram (@quantour.eu). The project also offers enlightening podcasts that explore the fascinating world of quantum physics in an accessible format.

#SUPERquantum #QTorch #QuanTour