Quantum mechanics (QM) is a fundamental theory in physics which describes nature at the smallest scales of atoms and subatomic particles. QM, alongside relativity, are the foundations of modern physics and an understanding of QM is particularly crucial in fields such as nuclear and particle physics, chemistry, astronomy, and cosmology. Furthermore, many modern electronic devices are designed using QM with examples including the laser, the transistor (and thus the microchip), the electron microscope, and magnetic resonance imaging. While modern electronic devices are fundamentally reliant on the effects of QM, a new class of devices are now emerging that go further and create, manipulate, and read out quantum states of matter. These quantum technologies offer potentially disruptive advances in sensing, imaging, metrology, cryptography, and computing. Quantum computers alone may be as disruptive in their application as the development of conventional computers in the last century.
The Museum of Quantum is a set of virtual exhibits designed to convey an understanding of quantum phenomenon such as tunnelling and interference. All of the exhibits were developed by Stephen Wilkins, an astronomer at the University of Sussex. This is very much a work in progress.