Celebrating the 2025 International Year of Quantum Physics, we are thrilled to partner with Faculty of Physics at the LMU München in co-organizing a captivating series of public talks. Join us on an enlightening journey, exploring the rich history of quantum theory, its foundational postulates, and the exciting frontiers of current research.

Of losers, fruit flies and cats in a dovecote: laser physics and quantum optics in the 20th century

Dr. Johannes-Geert Hagmann | Deutsches Museum

In 1956, the Dutch Nobel Prize winner Frits Zernike compared the evolution of optics to tidal waves: Periods of troughs were followed by peaks. If we stick to this image, the subsequent developments - the invention of the laser on the one hand, and a new quantum-physical understanding of light on the other - took physics to new heights that continue to influence current research. In this lecture, selected highlights of the development of laser physics and quantum optics in the second half of the century will be traced historically to link the past with the present.

The event is open to everyone interested in exploring quantum science. The public talk will be held in German. Admission is free.
We look forward to welcoming you to the event!