16 May 2019

Day of light: Quantum physics and ancient cave art

From Afternoons, 1:16 pm on 16 May 2019

Kiwi physicists and an American-born archaeologist have been working to create a lamp that mimics the flickering torch light used by ancient artists thousands of years ago.

The Dodd-walls Centre brought together Harald Schwefel from the University of Otago and archaeologist Leslie Van Gelder alongside indigenous Australians to use quantum physics to develop these lamps that will highlight the work of paleolithic cave artists. 

And as it is the International Day of Light, it's a perfect time to hear more about the project, we're joined by Leslie Van Gelder.

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