INVITATION TO THE VCQ ERWIN SCHRÖDINGER DISTINGUISHED LECTURE

We are glad to introduce

Prof. Gilles Brassard

(University of Montreal)

Founder of the field of quantum cryptography and one of the inventors of quantum teleportation.

Prof. Brassard will give a lecture on the topic of 

“Could Einstein Have Been Right After All?”

One of the most surprising aspects of quantum theory is that it tells us that we live in a nonlocal universe in which random correlations seem to appear instantaneously between arbitrarily distant locations. This idea was completely abhorrent to Einstein, who dismissed it as “spooky action at a distance”, but its experimental confirmation half a century ago led to this year’s Nobel Prize. More recently, so-called loophole-free experiments conducted in Vienna and elsewhere in 2015 confirmed nonlocality beyond any reasonable doubt. But have they really? In this talk, I shall argue that no experiment whose purpose is to confirm the predictions of quantum theory can possibly be used as an argument in favour of nonlocality because any theory of physics that does not allow instantaneous signalling to occur and has reversible dynamics (such as unitary quantum theory) can be explained in a purely local and realistic universe. What if Einstein was right after all?… Once again!

No prior knowledge of quantum theory will be assumed. This talk is based on the original doctoral work of Paul Raymond-Robichaud while under the supervision of the speaker.

WEDNESDAY, 16^th November 2022 at 18:30

Lise-Meitner Lecture Hall, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1090 Vienna

Following the lecture, there will be a get-together with drinks and snacks.

Participation is free of charge. No registration required.

The lecture series is organized by the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ).

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

All the best from the VCQ team.