Quantum Mechanics podcasts

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.

Alexandra Delbot discusses Young's double-slit experiment with physicists Christophe Salomon and Serge Haroche. They trace its role in establishing interference and examine how electron experiments, measurement and quantum theory changed the interpretation of the experiment and of wave-particle duality.

Hosted by Alexandra Delbot

Alexia Auffèves and Pascale Senellart-Mardon explain quantum energetics and the energy costs of quantum technologies. Alexandra Delbot asks how researchers can measure exchanges of energy, entropy and information, develop useful efficiency metrics, and incorporate energy constraints while quantum computers are still being designed.

Hosted by Alexandra Delbot

Theoretical physicist Jonathan Halliwell joins Steven Strogatz and Janna Levin to discuss how quantum decoherence helps explain the transition from wave-like quantum systems to the classical macroscopic world. The conversation covers quantum cosmology, decoherent histories, the measurement problem, macroscopic realism and why the quantum-to-classical transition does not require a conscious observer.

Hosted by Steven Strogatz, Janna Levin

Jim Al-Khalili and Sean Carroll discuss the nature of time, whether it is fundamental or emergent, and how its direction relates to physical laws and human experience. Their conversation connects the arrow of time with unresolved questions in quantum mechanics, biology and cosmology.

Hosted by Sean Carroll

Vitor Cardoso discusses how observations and theory are changing black-hole physics. The conversation covers Hawking radiation, general relativity, gravitational-wave observations and the Event Horizon Telescope, asking what these measurements reveal about black holes and what future observatories could test.

Hosted by Sean Carroll

Sean Carroll examines quantum mechanics on its own terms and asks how the familiar everyday world emerges from its formalism. The episode explores the tension between quantum theory and classical intuition, including how competing interpretations approach measurement and physical reality.

Hosted by Sean Carroll

Daniel Harlow discusses what attempts to reconcile gravity and quantum mechanics reveal about quantum theory itself. The conversation follows black-hole radiation, information loss, the wave function of the universe, the AdS/CFT correspondence and quantum information. It then connects these developments to quantum cosmology and questions about the structure of quantum mechanics.

Hosted by Sean Carroll

Adina Goldberg discusses the mathematical study of quantum information and how it differs from classical information encoded in bits. Her perspective on the meaning carried by relationships and arrows connects her research with her career path. The conversation was recorded during a quantum-information research programme at the Isaac Newton Institute.

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

Åsmund Folkestad discusses the black-hole information problem and attempts to reconcile gravitational and quantum descriptions. Conversation in Norwegian.

A vintage discussion with Johnjoe McFadden about possible quantum contributions to biological processes, republished as episode 13 of this series.

Marianne Bathen discusses how quantum computers differ from conventional machines and the challenges of building useful devices. Conversation in Norwegian.

Anders Kvellestad discusses the success of quantum theory and the unresolved questions surrounding its interpretation. Conversation in Norwegian.

Johnjoe McFadden discusses possible quantum effects in living organisms, including sensory processes and photosynthesis. Conversation in English.

Sean Carroll discusses interpretations of quantum theory and what physical explanations imply for consciousness and free will. Conversation in English.