Muhammad Hamza Waseem
Hamza is pursuing a DPhil in Physics at the University of Oxford. His studies are funded by a Rhodes Scholarship. His research revolves around foundations of quantum physics, computing and linguistics.
Before coming to Oxford, Hamza studied electrical engineering and helped develop a quantum physics lab in Lahore, Pakistan. He also co-authored a textbook on quantum physics. Apart from research, Hamza teaches mathematics and physics at the University of Oxford.
Passionate about science popularisation, he regularly contributes to science festivals and outreach activities in the UK and Pakistan.
Entangled Threads: Quantum Teleportation
Nicola wanted to shine a light on one of Hamza’s beautiful hand drawn diagrams which blur the boundary between precise scientific communication and aesthetics. In this sketch Hamza has used Quantum Picturalism, a diagrammatic formalism pioneered by Bob Coecke, to illustrate the phenomenon of quantum teleportation.
The diagram has been embroidered in reference to the rich history of the technique on the Indian subcontinent. Excavations have uncovered needles and embroidered fragments from the Indus Valley Civilisation from between 2300 and 1500 BCE. Although sadly, demands for cheaper textiles from the West have put traditions such as embroidery at risk.
Tapestry: Ajrak
This artwork features two Ajrak, textiles. Ajrak is a form of block printing common to Sindh, Pakistan and is one of the world’s oldest living textiles. It has been influenced by different cultures that have occupied the region over time. The design mirrors the two locations in the central diagram between which information can be transferred via quantum teleportation.
This work demonstrates the power of visuals in doing scientific research across a variety of fields. Hamza anticipates that this will have enormous benefits for communicating science, making the mathematical principles of quantum theory more accessible and more engaging to a wider audience.
