Anton Zeilinger: Interview with Austria's quantum physics pioneer

Anton Zeilinger: Interview with Austria's quantum physics pioneer

The renowned quantum physicist Anton Zeilinger, born on May 20, 1945 in Ried im Innkreis, has had a lasting influence on the world of science. His impressive career took him through the Vienna Atomic Institute, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the universities of Innsbruck and Vienna to the presidency of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) after his retirement in 2013. Zeilinger is currently working at the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI), where he advances research that deepens the fundamentals of quantum physics.

Zeilinger gained worldwide recognition for groundbreaking experiments, particularly one that earned him the nickname "Mr. Beam." In 1997, he succeeded in transmitting the quantum state of a light particle, which is described as a teleporter-like phenomenon. This innovation was recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2022. In a recent interview, Zeilinger spoke about the fascination of quantum physics and its complex theories.

Interested in the mysteries of the quantum world

In his early years, Zeilinger was fascinated by the secrets of technology. “I wanted to find out how things work,” he explains, recalling the time he spent dismantling his sister’s toys to understand what was going on inside. This pursuit of knowledge ultimately led him to quantum physics. “I learned quantum physics from books and immediately saw how fantastic and beautiful the mathematics is,” Zeilinger continued. Despite his skills with mathematics, he was often disappointed by the explanations and interpretations in the textbooks because they did not do justice to many of his questions.

Zeilinger explains: “The explanations and interpretations were weak.” His desire to understand the underlying mechanisms remained unbroken. “The interest in understanding the world is something that is deeply rooted in us,” is how he describes the human need for knowledge.

The applications of quantum mechanics and their challenges

A topic of great interest is quantum cryptography, which has already achieved remarkable developments. This encryption technology works over long distances and is even capable of transmitting data to satellites. However, there are some challenges, particularly the very low data rates, which make this technology impractical for many applications.

“No one can predict exactly when a quantum internet will become a reality,” says Zeilinger, adding that current research on quantum computers is promising but is still in its infancy. “We probably need another 20 years before we can solve relevant problems,” he admits.

A critical point he raises is the need for basic research. According to Zeilinger, it is crucial that scientists submit research proposals without being forced to demonstrate practical use. “If I have to state in a research proposal what it will lead to in practice, it is no longer basic research,” he observes. The silicon age awaits the next revolution, but perhaps this will be achieved not through quick fixes but through deep, unresolved knowledge.

In discussing the many unsolved problems of quantum physics, Zeilinger states that the fusion of quantum physics and relativity theory remains unsolved, a problem that scientists have been grappling with for over a century. “The unification of gravity and quantum physics has not yet been achieved,” he admits.

The physicist illustrates the complexity of matter, particularly when it comes to dark matter and dark energy. He believes that these concepts may not exist. “Personally, I am of the opinion that there is definitely a chance that dark matter does not exist and neither does dark energy,” explains Zeilinger.

An important concern for Zeilinger remains continuing education and the public's understanding of science. “Research is exciting, and other people should experience that too,” he emphasizes. He found that curiosity about knowledge is a universal human characteristic that is independent of age or origin.

His influence and research set standards in quantum physics. The beginnings of the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information in Vienna and Innsbruck are inextricably linked to his commitment. His deep connection to traditional science in Europe and his striving for intellectual openness demonstrate his commitment to continue to promote and support basic research.

Details on Anton Zeilinger's perspectives and further scientific developments can be found here at www.profil.at.