Blog
This blog aims to introduce the main problems, research challenges and key findings of our 3-year investigation into the deep question: "What is metrology if quantum measurements participate in making reality?"
We are an inter-disciplinary team of researchers working to connect three disparate but deeply related subjects: philosophy of metrology, quantum foundations and quantum metrology. Each one of our core team has worked at the intersection of at least two of the three disciplines that we aim to bring together. If you would like to know more about who we are, see personnel.
The question that unites us lies precisely in the overlap between these three fields. To understand the nature of the problem, I need to begin with a series of blog posts introducing these fields. I'll start by explaining what metrology is, and why it conceals deep philosophical questions that are relevant to all areas of science. Then I will jump to what might seem like a completely different topic: the mysterious field of `quantum foundations' where the very meaning of reality is at stake. And finally I will introduce the exciting field of quantum metrology, which is driven by new advances in quantum-enabled technology that have allowed us to measure distance, duration, and other important quantities to an unprecedented level of precision.
After these introductions, in subsequent blog posts I will explain how these three disparate areas of contemporary research all converge to create an extraordinary puzzle: how is it possible to measure the world so precisely, when the very thing that we claim to be measuring cannot even exist independently of the act of measurement itself? As our work progresses towards a deeper understanding, I will post updates to the blog.
I hope this little window into our research journey will motivate you to learn more about the fascinating field of metrology!
Jacques Pienaar