World Quantum Day, an international event aimed at generating enthusiasm for quantum mechanics, is set to take place on April 14, 2024. The National Quantum Coordination Office, part of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, will participate alongside other federal agencies.
Quantum mechanics, the science of atoms and particles, has created technologies such as semiconductor chips, LASERS, LED lights, GPS, and MRI scanners. Future technologies like quantum computers and sensors could offer new applications. The event encourages public engagement, with resources available for students, teachers, professionals, and quantum scientists.
Understanding World Quantum Day
World Quantum Day, celebrated annually on April 14, is a global event to foster interest and enthusiasm in quantum mechanics. This community-driven event offers resources for individuals at all levels of understanding, from novices to professionals. The National Quantum Coordination Office, a part of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, is among the many federal agencies participating in this event.
Quantum mechanics, the science of atoms and particles, has been instrumental in developing numerous technologies that have revolutionized our daily lives. Semiconductor chips in our smartphones and computers, LASERS, LED lights, LED monitors, the Global Position System (GPS), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners are all products of our understanding of quantum mechanics. The field continues to evolve, with future technologies such as quantum computers, quantum sensors, and quantum communication devices promising new and disruptive applications.
Engaging with World Quantum Day
World Quantum Day offers numerous opportunities for engagement for students, teachers, quantum scientists, universities, companies, laboratories, journalists, science communicators, and content creators. For students and teachers, resources are available for learning about quantum mechanics, and activities are designed to introduce K-12 students to quantum information science. Quantum scientists and organizations can engage by virtually visiting classrooms, hosting lab tours, and sharing their quantum stories and research.
Journalists, science communicators, and content creators can explore the resources section, create new content about quantum science, and share quantum content on social media using the hashtag #WorldQuantumDay. The event encourages the avoidance of language like “spooky” and “weird” and instead focuses on how students can connect and learn about quantum.
Resources for World Quantum Day
Several resources are available for learning about quantum mechanics, which can be shared for #WorldQuantumDay. These include videos such as “What YOU Can Do With Quantum Science” and “This is Quantum,” produced by the National Q-12 Education Partnership. These videos feature quantum scientists, students, and even NASA Astronaut Josh Cassada. Additionally, several Federal agencies have created video shorts for World Quantum Day, featuring real quantum scientists answering questions about their work in the field.
Post-Quantum Cryptography
Post-quantum cryptography, also referred to as quantum-proof, quantum-safe, or quantum-resistant, is the development of cryptographic algorithms that are believed to be secure against a cryptanalytic attack by a quantum computer. The security of popular algorithms currently in use relies on hard mathematical problems that could be easily solved on a sufficiently powerful quantum computer. As of 2023, quantum computers lack the processing power to break widely used cryptographic algorithms. However, cryptographers are designing new algorithms to prepare for the day when current algorithms will be vulnerable to quantum computing attacks.
Approaches to Post-Quantum Cryptography
Research in post-quantum cryptography is primarily focused on six different approaches: lattice-based cryptography, multivariate cryptography, hash-based cryptography, code-based cryptography, isogeny-based cryptography, and symmetric key quantum resistance.
Lattice-based cryptography includes cryptographic systems such as learning with errors, ring learning with errors, and the older NTRU or GGH encryption schemes. Multivariate cryptography includes cryptographic systems such as the Rainbow scheme, which is based on the difficulty of solving systems of multivariate equations. Hash-based cryptography includes cryptographic systems such as Lamport signatures, the Merkle signature scheme, and the XMSS.
Code-based cryptography relies on error-correcting codes, such as the McEliece and Niederreiter encryption algorithms. Isogeny-based cryptography relies on the properties of isogeny graphs of elliptic curves over finite fields. Symmetric key quantum resistance involves using sufficiently large key sizes in symmetric key cryptographic systems like AES and SNOW 3G, which are already resistant to attack by a quantum computer.
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