Bunny takes on quantum physics
Mr Fong (left) and Peng Kian having an animated discussion about The Quantum Bunny
Children and young teenagers can now better appreciate the concepts of quantum physics, thanks to a comic book titled The Quantum Bunny. The comic book is the brainchild of Mr Otto Fong, who collaborated with NUS' Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), during his stint as an Outreach Fellow. The fully illustrated book, which features a bunny showing quantum behaviours, made its debut at the Singapore Writers Festival in late October.
An author of children's books and a former science teacher, Mr Fong is the creator of Sir Fong's Adventures In Science, a series of comic books which explains science concepts in an entertaining manner. The Quantum Bunny is the fifth book in the series, and while the first four books adhered closely to the school science syllabus, Mr Fong departed from that approach for The Quantum Bunny. "Science can be very certain, especially in school. It's very definite. There is a right answer for everything. But quantum mechanics…is nowhere near the end…I've always wanted to show the kids that there is more to science than just what is shown in textbooks, he said.
Mr Fong responded to CQT's Quantum Immersion Writer's Residency in early 2014, which invited local writers to propose work that took inspiration from the Centre's research. Finding CQT's open call particularly special, he said, "When I saw it, I got very very excited because it's about science and it's also about art which is basically what I'm doing all the time. His six-month stint at CQT ended in February this year.
Throughout his Fellowship, Mr Fong shared that the CQT scientists were very patient in explaining the theories of quantum mechanics, which he wove as relevant concepts into the story and characters. An allegory of the history of quantum mechanics, the story is a reworking of the Chinese classic fable where the Monkey King created an uproar in heaven. The story also examined how different scientists grappled with new concepts ' while some scientists embraced novel concepts, others were hesitant.
CQT graduate student Tan Peng Kian, who appeared in the book as a guardian in the palace of Sky Emperor Albert Einstein, said that he joined the Centre because he wanted to search for other Earth-like planets and believed that quantum physics would help him in his journey. Speaking of quantum technology, Peng Kian said, "It's the science today, the technology for tomorrow.
According to quantum physics, small particles such as atoms can do strange things including behaving like waves or be in two places at the same time. Quantum technology exists all around ' in the electronics in smartphones, computers, LED televisions and lasers. CQT researchers are currently working out ways to control these particles to build quantum technologies, which can be applied to future supercomputers, more secure identification at automated teller machines, and gravity-measuring devices for oil prospecting.
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