MINTdigital: online STEM subject series for school pupils

The Quantum Pendulum: What Music Orchestras Have to Do with the Mass of Neutrinos
Prof. Michael Kobel (Chair of Particle Physics, TUD)

Particles that travel multiple paths simultaneously or exist in different places at the same time are a common occurrence in quantum mechanics. Even more peculiar are objects that are multiple different particles at the same time, or that even regularly transform back and forth between them.
In the case of neutrinos—electrically neutral relatives of electrons that are barely detectable—we have been able to observe this phenomenon for several decades. Sometimes they are produced as “muon neutrinos” in the Earth’s atmosphere, travel 12,000 km through the Earth, and reappear on the other side as “electron neutrinos.” In this lecture, you’ll learn how this is detected using giant underground water tanks, and what it has to do with mechanical pendulums or the tuning of instruments in orchestras.

When Chance Becomes Reality: Quantum Computers and Random Numbers
Siddharth Das (Deutsche Telekom Chair of Communication Networks, TUD)

Lecture in English with subtitles

When Chance Becomes Reality: Quantum Computers and Random Numbers
What do quantum computers and random numbers have in common? Both are based on some of the most fascinating properties of quantum mechanics and are becoming increasingly important for future technologies. This lecture introduces the fundamental ideas behind quantum computing and explores why randomness is indispensable for secure communication, scientific simulations, and many everyday digital applications. It will also discuss how quantum systems can generate truly random numbers and how researchers are working to make these phenomena useful in practice.

Quantum-Based Materials Research: Using Computers to Design the Technologies of Tomorrow
Dr. Leonardo Medrano Sandosas (Chair of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, TUD)

Lecture in English with subtitles

Quantum-Based Materials Research: Designing Tomorrow’s Technologies with Computers
How can we discover new materials and medicines without relying solely on costly laboratory experiments?
This talk introduces the fascinating world of quantum-based computer simulations, where the behavior of atoms and molecules is predicted using the fundamental laws of physics. By combining quantum mechanics with artificial intelligence, researchers can rapidly explore vast chemical spaces, identify promising candidates, and accelerate the development of advanced materials and molecular technologies. Using examples from ongoing research at TU Dresden, the presentation highlights how these computational approaches are shaping innovations in energy, electronics, sensing, and healthcare.