Author: Lorena Ballesteros Ferraz and Gina Gunaratnam
Lorena Ballesteros Ferraz is postdoctoral researcher
at the Laboratoire de Physique Théorique et Modélisation, CNRS Unité
8089, CY Cergy Paris Université in France. She participated in the writing of the editorial of the EPS calendar of inspiring physicists in 2024, together with Sébastien Mouchet and Riccardo Muolo. They are engaged in gender equality and inclusion in physics.
How did you get to know the European Physical Society?
As
a bachelor’s student at the Complutense University of Madrid, I was
fortunate to have several professors who were actively involved in the
management of the Spanish Physical Society. Through their connections, I
gained access to the society’s publications, sparking my interest in
the field. Later, when I pursued my PhD in Namur, Belgium, I was
introduced to Europhysics News through the Belgian Physical Society,
further broadening my engagement with the European physics community.
Could you describe your current field of research in a few words?
I
am currently focused on various aspects of measurements in quantum
physics, where, unlike in most everyday situations, measuring
fundamentally disturbs the system's state. For instance, when we measure
the temperature of an oven, the measurement does not alter the
temperature. However, in quantum physics, measuring the state of an atom
changes that state. My research explores different techniques for
extracting information from quantum states, ranging from weak, where the
disturbance is minimal, to ideal strong measurements. Additionally, I
am interested in understanding the energetic balance involved in these
measurement processes.
What are the challenges of your field?
Quantum
physics is a fascinating and deeply intriguing field. Despite its
status as one of the most reliable theories in science, it remains
highly counterintuitive, leading to rich and ongoing debates about its
interpretation and real-world implications. Among the most surprising
aspects of quantum physics is the role of measurement, which continues
to be a subject of intense discussion and diverging interpretations. On
the technological front, the challenge lies in refining measurement
protocols to achieve greater precision and energy efficiency. These
advancements hold significant potential for future applications,
including the development of more sensitive sensors and the advancement
of quantum computing.
How would you encourage students to work in this field?
I
find quantum physics, particularly the study of quantum measurements,
to be an incredibly exciting and intriguing field. I encourage students
who enjoy thinking outside the box and grappling with counterintuitive
phenomena to join and contribute to the evolution of this discipline.
Quantum physics also has a bright future, with numerous advanced
applications on the horizon. Therefore, I also suggest students
interested in driving technological innovation to explore this field and
be part of its development.
Why is it important for you to encourage girls to study physics?
Early
in my education, even during the final years of secondary school, I
noticed that I was one of the few women pursuing a path in science and
technology. This trend continued as I began my degree in Physics. I
believe this imbalance exists because women are not sufficiently
encouraged to pursue these fields. However, research shows that
diversity is crucial for advancing scientific innovation. The
involvement of women in our field is not only essential for the progress
of science, but also for empowering young girls to pursue their dreams
without being constrained by traditional gender roles.
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