The MCS Waynflete Lecture programme continues, with this week’s topics ranging from quantum theory to south Indian art history.

Quantum Computing

Professor David Lucas

On Thursday 3rd Sept, Professor David Lucas, a fellow at Balliol college, gave a talk introducing quantum computing to the Lower Sixth. Prof Lucas heads a research group specialising on this topic (specifically in trapping calcium ions), in the Physics department at the University of Oxford.

The Professor set the scene for the pupils with an outline of the history of ‘classical’ computing, starting with Babbage in 1860 right through to the 4004 CPU developed by Intel in 1971, including a diversion into Moore’s law to emphasise the limitations of current technology. Physics theory was then tackled and the audience was nimbly navigated through some of the big ideas in the subject including spectroscopy, the double slit experiment, quantum theory and the uncertainty principle. A lesson in binary arithmetic was followed by a compelling run through of the technology the research group is developing, including the quantum abacus ion trap and a video of entanglement as filmed here in Oxford.

The talk ended with a balanced discussion of the differences between conventional and quantum computing and then was opened up to questions from the pupils. Unsurprisingly Prof Lucas’ discussions and descriptions generated many talking points and notable questions were on errors in the system and how the uncertainty principle impacts the theory of quantum computing, Brownian motion and evidence of atoms and the merits of classical  vs quantum computing for different applications

A very stimulating talk and our thanks go to Professor Lucas for his visit and sharing of his expertise.

Indian Iconography

Dr Crispin Branfoot

We were honoured to receive a lecture by Dr Crispin Branfoot this week on Indian iconography. Dr Branfoot is an art historian at SOAS, whose research examines the arts of southern India from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. He used this wealth of knowledge to illuminate the progress of Hindu and Buddhist icons from the temple to the museum, tracing icons from their spiritual and material roots to their reception and assimilation in the West.

His engaging talk immersed us in the culture and visual languages of southern India, using extraordinary bronze images to reveal much about the intersection of art and life. The audience was introduced to a culture in which image is more than just surface or symbol – in which the icon of a deity really can be the embodiment of a god. Dr Branfoot’s passion and presentation brought to life these objects, highlighting the power of studying material culture. Through his people-centred historical method, we were taken on a tour of the object, from mythological origins, to physical production, to an object’s life – from a procession in India, garlanded in jasmine – to a museum collection. He also highlighted these icons’ place in modern culture: from colonialist appropriation in Picasso’s art, to the imagery and language used in 20th century popular culture.

The extraordinary range of material sources used, and the intersection between art and culture that Dr Branfoot’s lecture explored, provided a fantastic model of interdisciplinary study and will undoubtedly inspire our pupils in their own projects.