1A Best Of: Questioning Quantum Mechanics
Jul 4, 2025
In this discussion, Erica Carlson, a physics professor at Purdue University and host of The Quantum Age, joins Shohini Ghosh, a professor of physics and computer science at Wilfrid Laurier University, to unravel the perplexing world of quantum mechanics. They break down complex topics like quantum computing and its security implications for cryptocurrencies. The duo also dives into quantum materials and their applications in technology, from MRI machines to the aspiring quantum internet, making these scientific concepts accessible and engaging.
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Quantum Means Discrete Units
- Quantum refers to the fundamentally discrete nature of particles and their properties at microscopic scales.
- Unlike everyday objects, quantum properties like energy come in "whole units," not fractions, changing how tiny particles behave.
Quantum Tech Powers Daily Life
- Quantum technology arises from controlling and applying quantum laws to practical devices.
- Everyday electronics, MRI machines, and lasers rely on quantum mechanics, marking the first quantum revolution.
Quantum Materials Unlock New Physics
- Quantum materials reveal new particles and phenomena inside materials that ordinary matter doesn't show.
- These materials enable technologies like superconductors, crucial for MRIs and clear cell phone calls.