On the Day of Russian Science, Anna Paterova, Senior Researcher at the Quantum Engineering of Light Laboratory of South Ural State University, took part as an expert in a special Sociocenter project “One Scientist – One Fact”.
Anna is one of only two scientists in Russia to have received a Megagrant for young researchers for her project on the Infrared Metrology Based on Quantum Interferometry. The grant is being implemented at SUSU within the “Intelligent Manufacturing” strategic technological project 1 under the Priority 2030 program.
Specifically for the Day of Russian Science, the Sociocentre team, together with their colleagues from PR departments of universities participating in the Priority project, prepared a series of cards featuring curious facts from scientists in various fields. Anna Paterova acted as an expert in quantum physics and spoke about an unexpected perspective in which the well-known in quantum physics Zeno effect can manifest itself.
Below is the full text of the scientist’s statement:
“In quantum physics, there is an amazing phenomenon known as the quantum Zeno effect. It works as follows: if a quantum system is “measured” or its state is checked too frequently, the process of its evolution can significantly slow down or even practically stop. Simply put, constant observation prevents the system from changing.
This effect was first described rigorously in theory and later experimentally confirmed at the end of the 20th century. Today, it is actively used in quantum technologies: for example, in order to stabilize atomic states, suppress undesirable quantum transitions, and increase the accuracy of quantum measurements.
I like to find examples of how quantum principles unexpectedly resonate with everyday life. One such example is micromanagement.
In teamwork, this term refers to a management style in which a supervisor constantly monitors every step of employees: checks minor details, demands frequent reports, and regularly interferes with the task execution process.
Excessive control reduces initiative, increases stress levels, and makes people more cautious and passive. As a result, work processes can slow down, and creative solutions can literally “freeze”. A kind of “office Zeno effect” arises: the more often you check, the slower development proceeds.
Of course, this does not mean that the laws of quantum mechanics directly govern human behaviour. However, this analogy clearly highlights an important idea: observation and control are active influences on a system, whether it is a quantum particle or a work team. Sometimes, in order to achieve a better result, it is more useful not to intensify control, but to create the right conditions and allow the process to develop in a more natural way.”
More details on Anna’s views can be found on the Sociocentre Telegram channel.
Read more in the SUSU channel on MAX