Episode 326: Dr. Aaron Breidenbach: Quantum Computing/Crystals/Animism/Atacama

Dr. Aaron Breidenbach recently completed his PhD dissertation in Physics at Stanford. His doctorial studies focused on the growth and magnetic measurement of the crystals Herbertsmithite and Zn-Barlowite. His work went a long way towards proving that these crystals are "quantum spin liquids," a novel state of magnetic matter that has potential applications in quantum computing.

These same crystals also grow naturally in the Atacama desert, where the local Atacamenian people hold rich animistic traditions which weave in their mountains and mummified ancestors through spiritual traditions. Sadly, these living mountains are currently being over-mined for Copper and Lithium. This process has led to many ecological issues, including the poisoning of the Atacamenian groundwater with arsenic. The cruelest irony is that Herbertsmithite, a strong candidate to the the silicon of quantum computing, is regularly found in toxic waste tailings from these mines.

Aaron now is embarking on a journey to the Atacama to try to help restore these animistic traditions, bring balance to the land, and help advance the future of quantum computing. For more information about Aaron, please see: https://thequantumshaman.wordpress.com/

This podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform, or here: https://endoftheroad.libsyn.com/episode-326-dr-aaron-breidenbach-quantum-computingcrystalsanimismatacama

Have a blessed week!