Stuff To Blow Your Mind Smart Talks with IBM: Unlocking Our Quantum Future
Nov 19, 2025
In a dynamic conversation, Jay Gambetta, IBM’s Director of Research and a quantum physics expert, shares insights on scaling quantum computing. He delves into the unique challenges of constructing quantum computers, such as cooling and noise reduction. Gambetta highlights groundbreaking applications in chemistry and drug design alongside financial optimization techniques. He even suggests how institutions can start exploring quantum today, emphasizing the need for applied mathematics over classical intuition. It’s a fascinating look into our quantum future!
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From Lasers To Building Qubits
- Jay Gambetta trained in laser science and quantum mechanics, then pursued superconducting qubits at Yale to learn how to build quantum computers.
- He linked his interest in foundational questions about interpretations of quantum mechanics to the practical path of building qubits.
A New Mathematical Primitive
- Quantum computing uses a different mathematical primitive than classical arithmetic, enabling solutions to problems classical machines represent exponentially inefficiently.
- Quantum complements classical compute as a heterogeneous accelerator rather than replacing it.
Engineering By Isolation
- Building a quantum computer means isolating tiny quantum energies from environmental noise rather than suppressing quantum effects as in classical chips.
- That requires extreme cooling, filtering, and physical isolation to make quantum effects dominate.