Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 153 | John Preskill on Quantum Computers and What They’re Good For
Jun 28, 2021
In this engaging discussion, John Preskill, a theoretical physicist at Caltech renowned for his work in quantum information, explores the transformative power of quantum computers. He explains how these machines excel in simulating quantum systems such as molecules, despite uncertainties in their uses for cryptography and optimization. John also delves into the fascinating connections between quantum information and concepts like gravity and black holes, shedding light on how these innovations could reshape our understanding of space-time.
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Preskill's Shift to Quantum Information
- John Preskill transitioned from particle physics to quantum information science after the SSC cancellation.
- This external event made him receptive to new directions, including quantum computing.
Quantum vs. Classical Computation
- Quantum computers process information differently than classical computers, using qubits and entanglement.
- Measuring qubits reveals limited information; the true power lies in the entangled states.
Entanglement's Rise to Prominence
- Entanglement was not heavily emphasized in early quantum mechanics education.
- Bell inequalities in the mid-60s highlighted the difference between quantum and classical correlations.