Atomic Physics podcasts

Gerald Gabrielse explains how trapping a positron in a vacuum at very low temperatures permits precise measurements of antimatter. The conversation with Flora Lichtman examines a one-positron quantum cyclotron, the practical challenge of keeping antimatter away from ordinary matter, and why comparisons between electron and positron properties can test fundamental physics.

Hosted by Flora Lichtman

Ippei Danshita of Kindai University and Daichi Kagamihara of Chuo University explain how they used a remotely accessible Bose–Einstein condensate to investigate anomalous tunnelling. Their theoretical study became an experiment through a cloud-controlled quantum-gas platform. The conversation examines collective excitations, quantum tunnelling and the practical possibilities of remote laboratory access.

Hosted by Hamish Johnston

Ignacio Cirac discusses quantum information and the path from theoretical ideas to useful quantum technologies. Topics include trapped-ion qubits, quantum simulation, Rydberg-atom approaches and the choices facing hardware developers. The conversation also considers expectations, industrial development and the European quantum research community.

Melissa and Jam answer science questions drawn from Reddit, including why different metals produce different flame colors and why carbon has its own major branch of chemistry. The episode also considers the gap between discovering something that works and understanding its mechanism, with stories about laboratory mistakes.

Hosted by Melissa, Jam

The discussion explores why an atom has no sharply defined boundary and why atomic radius depends on the physical setting and measurement convention. A second segment examines synthetic food dyes, differences between US and UK products, and the scientific evidence relevant to proposed restrictions and public-health claims about colour additives.

Hosted by Mariana Kneppers

Monika Schleier-Smith explores experiments with laser-cooled atoms intended to probe links between quantum entanglement and emergent gravity. She discusses the risks and potential insights of constructing quantum-gravity analogues, including what such systems could teach about many-body quantum physics even without achieving the long-term simulation goal.

Hosted by Janna Levin, Steven Strogatz

Gaute Einevoll uses the film Oppenheimer as a starting point for explaining the development of atomic physics and nuclear weapons. Solo episode in Norwegian.