A young attendee of the Public Quantum Network launch event controls the measurement of photons.

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February 16, 2024

A U.S. National Science Foundation Quantum Leap Challenge Institute has created a working demonstration that brings entanglement between photons to a public setting for the first time.

This unique educational exhibit debuted in November 2023 at the Urbana Free Library, where more than 200 observers of all ages had the opportunity to play around with quantum science and technology previously confined to research labs. Projects like this are critical in demystifying quantum concepts and inspiring learners of all ages to participate in STEM. 

The core of the library exhibit is an interactive apparatus with rotatable optical elements that measure the orientation of light's vibration, or its polarization, sitting on a table in the library. Light is guided into and out of this apparatus via optical fiber connected to the University of Illinois — about two miles away. 

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