An Observation
Exhibitions based on new technologies are always of interest. Those based on emerging optical technologies even more so in terms of the possibilities they unlock. At a Photonex exhibition in Coventry in October 2019 there was an enthralling exhibit that could be described as a ‘cube of light’ which at a guess comprised 16 x 16 x 16 separate multicolour LEDs – a total of 4096 devices and where each one was apparently separately addressable. As I recall the display was a representation of the probability of states within a simulation system of randomness – originating from Lancaster University in England. Tap on the link to be directed to the Physics Department there. Multicolour lights would cascade down from the top surface of the cube and build up light ‘pillars’ from the base of the device. In demonstrating a probabilistic phenomenon, however, the scientific team had developed a special effects device of striking appeal.
The dynamic images of the light cube conjure up lines of script from a movie – something like –
‘You see Mr Bond – we are decoding the prime number cryptography of the Bank of America and we plan to steal a bond transfer of $3.5 billion at close of business today – in four hours time.’
‘Although the tissue specimen at the crash site showed some degradation – our algorithms are even now reconstructing this sample of alien DNA.’
‘Here we can collect and store all the knowledge and information of the world within this cyber cube using atomic laser lithography technology.’
‘This is our quantum entanglement portal which we use to scan the known universe for intelligent engagement.’
It is my honest suggestion that film directors on the lookout for special effects technology look no further than universities and their spin off companies.
Snapshot of Cube
Short Video
Link to Lancaster University
https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/physics/isolab/art-of-isolation/
