Iran has opened three advanced teaching laboratories for quantum optics and quantum information at the University of Isfahan, Shahid Beheshti University, and Sharif University of Technology, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s infrastructure for practical education in quantum technologies.

The facilities were inaugurated on October 14, 17, and 20, respectively, in ceremonies attended by Hossein Afshin, Iran’s vice president for science, technology, and knowledge-based economy.

Quantum technologies are considered a strategic field of science and technology worldwide. Their development depends not only on advances in fundamental research but also on the training of specialized personnel and access to advanced laboratory facilities.

Specialized quantum training laboratories enable students and researchers to connect theoretical knowledge with practical experience by directly observing, measuring, and examining quantum phenomena.

Iran technological advancements in laser and quantum technologies

Iran has reached a critical point in its technological development, particularly in laser and quantum technologies.

The three new facilities are intended to expand students’ opportunities for hands-on training, increase their access to specialized equipment, and strengthen universities’ capacity to train the workforce needed to advance quantum research and technology.

A key feature of the laboratories is the opportunity to conduct advanced experiments directly rather than relying solely on theoretical instruction or computer simulations. Students can work with laboratory equipment, measure quantum phenomena, and examine and analyze the results.

The experiments available at the facilities include the generation and detection of single photons and photon pairs, the study of quantum entanglement, tests of Bell inequalities, and two-photon interference.

Students can also conduct quantum tomography experiments, study quantum key distribution, and examine systems based on diamond color centers.

Together, these capabilities provide students with opportunities to undertake a range of fundamental and advanced experiments in quantum optics and quantum information.

The establishment of the three laboratories forms part of the presidential science and technology office’s efforts to develop practical quantum education, broaden access to specialized equipment, and prepare experts required for research and technological development in the field.

By providing students with direct experience of advanced quantum experiments, the initiative seeks to strengthen universities’ educational and research capabilities and support the development of the specialized human resources needed for quantum technologies.