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.

01:32:52

Episode guests

John Preskill

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Exploring the Frontier of Quantum Computing

4min

Shifting Paradigms: From Particle Physics to Quantum Computing

14min

Exploring Quantum Mechanics Interpretations in Everyday Practice

2min

Unraveling Quantum Mechanics

15min

Navigating the Challenges and Potential of Quantum Computing

6min

Quantum Error Correction and Qubit Technologies

21min

Embracing Language Learning and the Future of Quantum Computing

2min

Exploring Quantum Computing: Current Challenges and Future Prospects

18min

10.

Quantum Insights into Black Holes

11min

11.

Exploring the Exciting Intersection of Black Holes and Quantum Computing

2min

Depending on who you listen to, quantum computers are either the biggest technological change coming down the road or just another overhyped bubble. Today we’re talking with a good person to listen to: John Preskill, one of the leaders in modern quantum information science. We talk about what a quantum computer is and promising technologies for actually building them. John emphasizes that quantum computers are tailor-made for simulating the behavior of quantum systems like molecules and materials; whether they will lead to breakthroughs in cryptography or optimization problems is less clear. Then we relate the idea of quantum information back to gravity and the emergence of spacetime. (If you want to build and run your own quantum algorithm, try the IBM Quantum Experience.)

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John Preskill received his Ph.D. in physics from Harvard University. He is currently the Richard P. Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics at Caltech and the Davis Leadership Chair at the Institute for Quantum Information and Matter, as well as an Amazon Scholar at Amazon Web Services. Before moving into quantum information, he was a leading researcher in quantum field theory and black holes. He is the winner of multiple bets with Stephen Hawking.

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