Nonlinear and quantum optics in an extracurricular environment

The CRC 1375 NOA (Nonlinear Optics down to Atomic scales) is an association of different projects that investigates light matter interactions theoretically and experimentally. Project Ö1 – Science Communication in NOA develops didactic reconstructions for lasers, spectroscopy, interferometry and nanomaterials.

The Lichtlabor of Deutsches Optisches Museum will serve as both a school student lab and a training center for physics education students. Two newly developed experimental kits that give insights into modern experimental methods in physics and chemistry will be available there. With the interferometry kit, students can investigate the properties of laser diodes or ND filters. The second kit enables students to measure Raman spectra of different over-the-counter medications. Recent tools such as lasers, piezo crystals, spectrometers, CMOS cameras and software for data processing are used in a student-friendly way to achieve clear results. In addition to a new analogue experiment for ghost imaging, a real quantum imaging setup (with undetected photons) is replicated and it will become part of the permanent exhibition of the museum later.

We provide an innovative platform to early-career researchers to help communicate their research conducted within NOA to the general public. The Showcases of Modern Optics Research are developed and built by project Ö1. Workshops and training programs have been developed that enable young researchers not only to design entertaining digital posters but also to create exhibits that make the latest research findings accessible to the general public. The content is regularly updated and archived to keep track of the latest developments in scientific research.