As reported in a recent article by Der Standard, two of our researchers, Philipp Haslinger and Thomas Juffmann, have collaborated with artists on The Temporal Forest, a fascinating project that blends quantum science with art. Part of the Salzkammergut 2024 European Capital of Culture initiative, this exhibition offers a unique way to view the environment by capturing the movement of light through trees in nanoseconds.
A Glimpse into the Hidden World of Light
Using ultra-short pulse laser and specialized camera technology, the project captures the movement of light through trees in mere nanoseconds.
"Light moves about 30 centimeters in one nanosecond, which is the timescale where photosynthesis and other subtle processes happen,"
explains Philipp Haslinger. By visualizing these rapid processes, The Temporal Forest invites viewers to reflect on how we perceive time and nature in new ways.
The Millennium Camera: A 1000-Year Experiment in Time
Haslinger and Juffmann are also contributing to the Millennium Camera project. Installed on Zwölferkogel mountain in the Salzkammergut region, this camera will take a single photograph over the course of the next 1000 years. Using a simple pinhole design, the camera will gradually capture the environmental changes in the Almtal Valley, documenting centuries of transformation.
Visit the Exhibit
The Temporal Forest exhibit is currently on display at the Atelier im Brauhof in Scharnstein, Upper Austria, until October 27th, 2024. This exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to experience the intersection of quantum science and art, showcasing how advanced technology can help us see the world in new and profound ways.
For those intrigued by the Millennium Camera, the journey to its installation site on Zwölferkogel requires a challenging hike to an elevation of nearly 2.100 meters. Though demanding, this journey provides a rare chance to contemplate time and change in a unique setting.
Pushing Boundaries in Science and Art
At Quantum Science Austria, we are proud to see such innovative projects like The Temporal Forest and the Millennium Camera happen. These collaborations demonstrate how quantum technology can inspire new perspectives on the world around us, prompting reflection on time, change, and our place within the environment.
