Let’s talk about photon-mediated entanglement of information transmission in quantum physics! OK, maybe not.

Senator Warner visited briefly today with Ari Micha Dyckovsky, 18, of Loudoun County’s Academy of Science. Ari is a finalist in the 2012 Intel Science Talent Search as a result of his ground-breaking theoretical research into quantum physics. He is investigating how information attached to light particles can communicate across open spaces without ever touching.

Senator Warner reacts to the description of Ari's project, which is listed as: "Analysis of Photon-Mediated Entanglement Between Distinguishable Matter Qubits." Or something.

The Intel Science Talent Search is one of America’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college scholarship competitions, and Ari is one of 40 young innovators who is spending the week in Washington.

In 2010, he was chosen to represent his Loudoun school to participate in the International Space Olympics, held in Moscow, and his project placed first overall.

Senator Warner, who’s pretty smart himself, acknowledged that while quantum physics may not be his strong suit, he certainly can understand the incredible potential of applying Ari’s research to some day help make a quantum internet or quantum computers.

What did Ari have to say about meeting with Senator Warner? “Pretty cool.”

And what did Senator Warner think about meeting Ari? “Pretty intimidating…”