Lecture Series "Quantum in Ilmenau": "Small forces - big effect: realizing the new kilogram definition with the Planck balance"

The Freunde und Förderer der Naturwissenschaften in Ilmenau e.V. and the Institute of Physics at TU Ilmenau are organizing the popular science talk series "Quanten in Ilmenau" to mark the 100th anniversary of quantum mechanics.

Professor Thomas Fröhlich, Head of the Institute of Process Measurement and Sensor Technology, will kick off the series with a talk on "Small forces - big effect: realizing the new kilogram definition with the Planck balance".

Since 2019, the international definition of the kilogram is no longer based on a physical kilogram, but on Planck's quantum of action - the fundamental quantity of quantum mechanics. In his talk, Prof. Thomas Fröhlich will provide insights into the development and functioning of the world's first industrial balance for this "new kilogram", the Planck balance. It was developed together with the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) at the Institute for Process Measurement and Sensor Technology, which is a world leader in the field of force measurement and weighing technology and nanometer-precise laser measurement technology. With the help of the Planck balance and in combination with electrical quantum standards for electrical voltage, current and resistance, mass measurements can now be carried out with extremely high accuracy.

Admission to all events is free. All interested parties are welcome. Talk will be given in German only.

06.05.2025 - Prof. Dr. Hannes Töpfer: Superconductivity

27.05.2025 - Prof. Dr. Jörg Kröger: Matter waves

10.06.2025 - Prof. Dr. Thomas Hannappel: Solar energy

24.06.2025 - Prof. Dr. Siegfried Stapf: Nuclear magnetic resonance

08.07.2025 - Prof. Dr. Stefan Krischok: Photoelectric effect

The talks take place on Tuesdays at 17:15 in the Faraday lecture hall of the TU Ilmenau (Weimarer Straße 32, new building, access via Prof.-Schmidt-Straße). 

Admission is free. All interested parties are welcome. All talks will be in German.

Contact:

Dr. Wichard J. D. Beenken
Freunde und Förderer der Naturwissenschaften in Ilmenau e.V.
+49 3677 69 3258
wichard.beenken@tu-ilmenau.de