Perimeter Institute Celebrates 25 Years of Quantum Breakthroughs

The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Canada, marked its 25th anniversary on September 25, 2023, celebrating a legacy of groundbreaking research in theoretical physics and quantum science. Founded by Mike Lazaridis in 2000 with a donation exceeding $100 million, the institute has become a global leader in advancing understanding in areas such as cosmology, quantum computing, and the fundamental laws of nature.

The roots of this transformative institution trace back to a pivotal moment in the late 1980s, when Lazaridis attended informal lectures at the University of Waterloo, delivered by his professor, Lynn Watt. During one such lecture, Watt discussed the work of Alain Aspect, whose experiments confirmed the existence of entangled particles. This discovery laid the groundwork for quantum mechanics, a field that has since revolutionized technology and industry.

Reflecting on that influential evening, Lazaridis stated, “The entire class was stunned. Some of us fell out of our seats, quite literally.” He emphasized the profound impact of the lecture, which ignited his passion for unifying quantum mechanics with Einstein’s theory of relativity—a convergence he believes will unlock future technological advancements.

This year also coincides with the United Nations’ International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, commemorating a century since the establishment of quantum mechanics by pioneering scientists, including Albert Einstein. The anniversary event drew around 200 attendees, including researchers, policymakers, and two Nobel Prize winners, Art McDonald and Donna Strickland.

Perimeter Institute has significantly contributed to various fields, including the development of educational curricula for high school students across 142 countries. Its researchers were integral to the creation of radio telescopes that detect rapid bursts of radio waves from the universe. Lazaridis expressed pride in the institute’s role in the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, which produced the first-ever images of a black hole in 2019. “Waterloo, Canada, contributed to that in a big way,” he noted, recalling the global reaction to the historic photographs.

Among the distinguished guests at the anniversary celebration was McDonald, who shared the 2015 Nobel Prize for his work on neutrinos. He highlighted an upcoming $60 million experiment at SNOLAB in Sudbury, Ontario, designed to search for dark matter particles, which are believed to constitute approximately 85 percent of the universe’s mass.

Katie Mack, the Hawking Chair in Cosmology and Science Communication at Perimeter, discussed the importance of making complex scientific concepts accessible to the public. “That is a really damaging feeling, it is really hard to get over that, and what I try and do in my communication is, you can understand it,” she explained. Her efforts focus on fostering understanding and connections between complex physics and everyday life.

Strickland, who received the 2018 Nobel Prize for her contributions to laser technology, emphasized the unpredictable nature of foundational research. “There is no telling where foundational research will lead,” she said, pointing out that seemingly esoteric studies often yield significant technological breakthroughs.

The quantum ecosystem initiated by Lazaridis includes several institutions, such as the Institute for Quantum Computing and the Quantum Valley Ideas Lab. Lazaridis announced that the Quantum Valley Ideas Lab has already launched its first company, which focuses on developing quantum antennas and related technologies.

Carena Marcela, executive director of the Perimeter Institute, reiterated the institute’s commitment to solving fundamental problems in physics. “We are working on exciting, extremely challenging and fundamental problems, like what happened after the Big Bang to shape the world we see?” she stated, underscoring the significance of deepening our understanding of the universe.

As the Perimeter Institute celebrates its 25 years of achievements, it stands at the forefront of two revolutions: one in quantum technology and the other in artificial intelligence. The institute’s collaborative research environment continues to inspire advancements that may one day transform industries and improve lives worldwide.