Quantum Mechanics podcasts

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

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

Hamish Johnston interviews Yonatan Cohen, co-founder and chief technology officer of Quantum Machines, about control systems linking quantum computers to classical computation. Topics include the increasing importance of hybrid control as qubit counts grow, support for superconducting circuits, trapped ions, neutral atoms, spins and nitrogen-vacancy centers, industry collaborations and careers in quantum technology.

Hosted by Hamish Johnston

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.

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

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