Linking graphical language to a popularized discourse of quantum physics.

Quantum physics is a fundamental theory for sciences from the 20th century which describes nature at the smallest scale of atoms and subatomic particles. It has broken its ties with classical physics. This model is ruled by unordinary and counterintuitive principles and abstract mathematical equations. It is imperceptible by humans but has important effects on the macroscopic world.

With new concepts come new words in order to talk about it and new signs are invented in order to represent it. If so, which aesthetics are most adequate to describe quantum physics and of its conceptual revolution?

In collaboration with Julien Bobroff – professor of physics at Université Paris-Sud (Orsay), leading the research team “La Physique Autrement” (Physics Reimagined) of Laboratoire de Physique des Solides (CNRS and Université Paris-Sud), this project aims to create a manipulable typographic system and graphical grammar to tell and explain quantum physics and its issues.

How can this writing system be incorporated within the scope of popularizing science?

Whereas texts and pictures are heavily split in usual scientific publications, while maintaining the fascination of the general public with beautiful images, the work at ANRT consists in reconnecting pictorial signs with popularized discourse, thus making difficult concepts easier to understand. In other words, to combine them to join the powers of graphic and written language.