Why April 14? This date is derived from Planck’s constant 4.14 (4.1356677×10⁻¹⁵ eV·s). This constant is the basis of quantum theory and defines the smallest units of energy.
https://www.worldquantumday.org
It is also a very practical constant, in addition to defining the international unit of the kilogram, it plays a key role in the design of computer chips, in generating electricity from sunlight in solar cells, and thanks to it, it is possible to realize lasers and LEDs.
World Quantum Day is a relatively new event, having been created in 2021. Its main goal is to increase discussion about the quantum world, whether on this particular day or throughout the year. Public lectures and panel discussions, educational workshops, and creative projects that connect art with quantum are organized around the world during this period.
On this occasion, the QUTE.sk initiative is organizing the event “Kvantové zápletky”, which brings together lectures and discussions about innovations in quantum technologies, bringing together scientists and enthusiasts.
More information at: https://www.qute.sk/event/wqd-2026/
Quantum physics has a reputation for being a very complex subject, but its basic features can be understood:
Superposition: particles can exist in multiple states at the same time until they are measured. Entanglement: particles are entangled in such a way that changing the state of one changes the state of the other, even if they are millions of kilometers apart.
Quantisation: energy comes in discrete units – not in a continuous flow.
A well-known search engine has also included an illustration of Bloch balls in its logo today, which represent the states of quantum bits (qubits).
The modern world is preparing for the quantum age, and every year we will hear more about quantum computing, quantum sensing, or quantum communication.
At the Electrical Engineering Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, together with partners within the national project Slovak Quantum Communication Infrastructure (skQCI), we are developing a prototype of a superconducting single-photon detector, which represents a basic component of a quantum network. The aim of the first phase of the project is to create 6-12 nodes throughout Slovakia, thus creating the backbone of a national quantum infrastructure. The current project allows Slovakia to actively participate in the European mission EuroQCI by developing quantum communication technologies.
For more information about the single-photon detector, please contact:
Tomáš Ščepka, PhD. (Department of Physics and Technology at Nanoscale)