QDNL VISITOR PROGRAMME SPOTLIGHT: Thijs Latten at the University of Cambridge
As part of the Quantum Delta NL Visitor Programme, Thijs Latten, a PhD student from TU Delft, spent three months at the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge. His goal was to learn from Prof. Hasok Chang and his colleagues on how to draw insights about the nature of reality from the scientific and engineering practice. This specific interest was part of his PhD research into how the technology developed in the Dutch quantum ecosystem can inform our understanding of the quantum world.
“While engineers and researchers in quantum technology are finding innovative ways to technologically exploit quantum behaviour, the quantum world is often described as difficult or impossible to understand. Yet, having an understanding of the quantum world is essential in enabling stakeholders to join the development of quantum technologies.”
At Cambridge, Thijs spent his time deepening his knowledge from both the technical side at the Cavendish Laboratory and the philosophical perspective at the Department of History and Philosophy of Science. Among his personal highlights were the many discussions he had with Prof. Chang and other department members, which elevated his doctoral research. Learning about topics like the optical spin pumping techniques for in quantum dot initialisation and the ontological assumptions presupposed in the activities of engineers, Thijs came back to the Netherlands ready to share his insights with the quantum ecosystem.
“The conceptual tools provided by this visit help me towards delineating how quantum technology can inform our understanding of the quantum world, aiding the efforts to make quantum mechanics accessible to non-experts.”
The Quantum Delta NL Visitor Programme supports knowledge exchanges to foster collaboration and accelerate innovation across Europe’s growing quantum ecosystem. Thijs’ visit to the University of Cambridge shows the value of cross-border knowledge-sharing for the European quantum community.
