Quantum Consciousness

Paul Thomas (UNSW, Sydney, Australia), Kevin Raxworthy (Curtin University, Perth), Luke Christison (Plymouth University, Plymouth UK).

Quantum Consciousness is an audio-visualisation of atomic data which indexes the quantum

“movement” of an electron. This project delivers an aesthetic and immersive experience that enables the viewer to interact with the electrons spin inside the virtual superposition of a sub-atomic particle (i.e. its field of probability). This audiovisual experience establishes a metaphor and indexical map of human thought. The quantum spin of the electron here mapped is serving as the conduit for the form of the sensory stimuli of the work. The broader significance of Quantum Consciousness concerns the possibility of non-human, computational intelligence commingling with human consciousness. This link stems from the fact that the

“material” of the electron and its quantum behaviour is the basis of the possibility of quantum computation.

DESCRIPTION:

Quantum Consciousness
: An interactive visual/sonic installation that immerses the viewer in quantum phenomenon.

Quantum Consciousness is an audio-visualisation of atomic data which indexes the quantum “movement” of an electron. This project delivers an aesthetic and immersive experience that enables the viewer to interact with the electrons spin inside the virtual superposition of a sub-atomic particle (i.e. its field of probability). This audiovisual experience establishes a metaphor and indexical map of human thought. The quantum spin of the electron here mapped is serving as the conduit for the form of the sensory stimuli of the work. The broader significance of Quantum Consciousness concerns the possibility of non-human, computational intelligence commingling with human consciousness. This link stems from the fact that the

“material” of the electron and its quantum behaviour is the basis of the possibility of quantum computation.

Quantum Consciousness is in the visualization of the co-emergence of thought-data (viewer) and quantumdata (electron). The scientific research informing the work was conducted in collaboration with Assoc. Professor Andrea Morello. Dr.Morello’s current research looks at controlling the spin of electrons and nuclei for the development of the processor in quantum computer. The experiment makes visible and audible the spin of the superposition of a phosphorous electron that has been bombarded by microwave signals. The paradox of the quantum superposition (best articulated in the Schrodinger’s Cat – thought experiment) exists as an actual and empirical condition in which an electron occupies multiple positions in space simultaneously, but none specifically.

The scientific data for this project is generated from a microwave signal which transforms a reading of Richard Feynman’s (1982) paper on the birth of the quantum computer. The link between the quantum computer, consciousness and artistic expression is presented via the installation through the co-emergence of thought and quantum conditions. Quantum Consciousness is thus an experiment in the imaging and materialising of impossible states of quantum matter and the co-emergence of human consciousness.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHIE(S):

Professor Paul Thomas is director of the Studio for Transdisciplinary Arts Research at UNSW Art and

Design. He initiated and is the co-chair of the Transdisciplinary Imaging Conference series 2010-2016. In

2000 he instigated and was the founding Director of the Biennale of Electronic Arts Perth 2002, 2004 and 2007. Thomas is a pioneer of transdisciplinary art practice. His practice led research takes not only inspiration from nanoscience and quantum theory, but actually operates there. Thomas’s current research

‘Quantum Consciousness’ is based on the experiments being conducted by Professor Andrea Morello, Quantum Nanosystems, UNSW, looking atimmersing the viewer in a visualization and sonification of quantum phenomenon in the development of quantum computing. He has exhibited nationally and Internationally with his pervious nano art works ‘Mulitverse’ based on Richard Feynman’s diagrams on photons reflecting from a mirror, ‘Nanoessence’ which explored the space between life and death at a nano level and ‘Midas’ which researched at a nano level what is transferred when skin touches gold. His current publications are Nanoart: The Immateriality of Art, Relive Media art Histories, co-edited with Sean Cubitt and Interference Strategies and Cloud and Molecular Aesthetics co-edited with Lanfranco Aceti and Edward Colless.