French scientist Prof Serge Haroche will give a public talk in Dunedin today about the "strangeness" of quantum physics, but a prestigious Parisian tertiary institution where he teaches is itself more than a little unusual.
The College de France in Paris is a higher education and research establishment, but although most of its courses are free and open to anyone, it awards no degrees.
It does have research laboratories, as well as some of the best research libraries in Europe.
Technology based on quantum physics was already in extensive use in the 20th century, including for satellite-linked GPS navigation systems, lasers and magnetic resonance imaging in hospitals, he said.
Continuing research could result in many further applications in future, including more secure forms of encryption and even more accurate atomic clocks.
Prof Haroche is this week meeting scientists at the University of Otago physics department and the Dodd-Walls Centre for Quantum Science and Technology.
The John Newton Dodd Lecture will be given in the Archway 4 lecture theatre at the University of Otago at 5.30pm.
