Quantum Computing Exhibit Unveiled at O’Hare Airport

A new exhibit at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport aims to demystify quantum computing for the public. Located in Terminal 1, the display showcases a model of the interior of a quantum computer, designed to resemble a large golden chandelier. This initiative is part of a broader effort as Illinois invests millions into creating a campus dedicated to developing the world’s first commercially viable quantum computer.

The exhibit was launched in collaboration with the STAGE Center at the University of Chicago and IBM. It seeks to engage travelers of all ages, inviting them to learn how quantum computers function and what they look like. Alongside the model, a video explains the science behind quantum technology, highlighting its potential applications.

Nancy Kawalek, the director of the STAGE Center, emphasized the exhibit’s goal of making quantum computing more accessible. “I don’t want people to get sort of frightened off by it, not understanding it,” she stated. Kawalek noted that quantum computing, based on the principles of quantum mechanics, has transitioned from a theoretical concept to practical applications in data centers.

Avery Linder, a former University of Chicago student who contributed to the exhibit, used a coin flip as an analogy to illustrate the unique capabilities of quantum computers. “With quantum, it’s like if you were to flip a coin and it was midair, you could probably not tell me if it was heads or tails,” she explained. This highlights how quantum computers can exist in multiple states simultaneously, allowing them to process information in ways traditional computers cannot.

The implications of this technology are vast. Future applications may include diagnosing diseases at the cellular level and enhancing cybersecurity measures against sophisticated hacking attempts. Linder, who now co-leads a start-up focused on quantum computing devices, expressed her hope that the exhibit will encourage interest in the field, even among those without extensive backgrounds in math or physics.

The design of the quantum computer on display, which IBM first introduced in 2017, features a tiered structure that resembles a refrigerator. Hanhee Paik, the director of quantum algorithms at IBM, explained that this design helps maintain extremely low temperatures, necessary for the chip’s operation. “Our quantum processors are three times colder than outer space to help remove any noise that could interfere with the computation,” Paik noted.

The exhibit, funded in part by the American Physical Society (APS), is set to remain in place for at least one year. Kathryn Walters-Conte, who leads program strategy at APS, attended the unveiling shortly after arriving from Washington, D.C. She highlighted the importance of the exhibit in bridging the gap between public perception and the reality of quantum science. “This exhibit is to get people interested in it so they can see that this is a real physical thing,” Walters-Conte said.

As Chicago solidifies its status as a central hub for quantum computing research and development, initiatives like this exhibit play a crucial role in educating the public about the transformative potential of this emerging technology. With the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology designated by the United Nations in 2025, interest in quantum computing is expected to rise, making public understanding all the more important.