Quantum Technology 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.

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

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

Jacinta Bowler examines the boundary between progress and hype in quantum computing, including commercial incentives, public communication and the effect of AI competition. Guests Tara Roberson, Stela Todorovic of PsiQuantum Australia, Gideon Lichfield and Warwick Bowen of the University of Queensland discuss how to assess breakthrough claims.

Hosted by Jacinta Bowler

Jacinta Bowler explores Australia’s role in quantum computing, from CSIRAC and early digital computing to present efforts toward large quantum machines. Peter Thorne, Michelle Simmons and Robert Clark of UNSW, and Geoff Pryde of PsiQuantum Australia discuss the country’s research history and prospects.

Hosted by Jacinta Bowler

Mariana Kneppers, Patrick Walter and Frankie Macpherson discuss a new molecular-simulation result combining quantum computing with conventional computational methods. They also investigate how an everyday laboratory item can contaminate microplastics measurements, illustrating the importance of tracing unexpected results back to experimental materials.

Hosted by Mariana Kneppers

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

Ewin Tang discusses dequantization: designing classical algorithms inspired by proposed quantum advantages. The conversation starts with recommendation algorithms and considers the continuing contest between quantum and classical computation, the role of failure in research and how to evaluate the practical promises made for quantum machines.

Hosted by Janna Levin, Steven Strogatz

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