To mark the centenary of quantum mechanics, the TU Ilmenau invites all interested parties to a lecture on Tuesday, July 8 at 5:15 p.m. as part of the "Quantum in Ilmenau" lecture series. In his lecture "The photoelectric effect - 120 years after Einstein's miraculous year", Professor Stefan Krischok explains that Einstein's photoelectric effect was not only of great importance for the foundation of quantum mechanics back then. Even today, it enables current experimental research in materials and surface physics. The generally understandable lecture will take place in the lecture hall of the Faradaybau of the TU Ilmenau, Weimarer Straße 32, admission is free.
The world consists of quanta, the smallest building blocks of light and energy, which are subject to their own physical laws and principles. Modern technologies such as solar cells or computer chips would not be possible without quantum mechanics, first formulated in 1925 by German Nobel Prize winner Werner Heisenberg.
Twenty years earlier, in 1905, Albert Einstein had already published several scientific articles on various areas of theoretical physics, each of which was groundbreaking in its own right. However, he was "only" awarded the Nobel Prize in 1921 for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect. In his lecture on July 8, Professor Stefan Krischok reminds us that the photoelectric effect was of fundamental importance for the foundation of quantum mechanics. When he explains that even today, 120 years later, Einstein's photoelectric effect enables experimental research in modern materials and surface physics, he also discusses his own current investigations using X-ray and UV-induced photoelectron spectroscopy.
In six lectures, scientists from TU Ilmenau presented current research and fascinating applications from the world of quantum physics. The lecture series "Quantum in Ilmenau" organized by the TU Ilmenau and the Association of Friends and Sponsors of Natural Sciences in Ilmenau is one of the numerous worldwide activities in the United Nations' "International Year of Quantum Science and Quantum Technologies". The aim of the Year of the Quantum is to make the findings of quantum physics and their profound impact on our lives more visible - not only to experts, but also to the general public. After all, what began as an abstract theory 100 years ago is now the foundation of numerous technologies and applications that have a lasting impact on our economy and our everyday lives.
