632nm

In this episode, Harvard Professor Mikhail Lukin discusses his pioneering work in quantum computing using neutral atoms. He shares the journey from his early work in quantum optics and electromagnetically induced transparency to developing programmable quantum processors using arrays of individually trapped atoms. Lukin explains key breakthroughs in quantum error correction and how his team achieved unprecedented control over large numbers of quantum bits. He also discusses the fundamental challenges of building practical quantum computers and his optimistic outlook for the field's future.01:16 Early Career and Breakthroughs01:55 Understanding Lasers and Population Inversion03:37 The Birth of Quantum Computing04:21 The Evolution of Laser Technology06:52 The Impact of Bose-Einstein Condensates08:20 First Experiments at Harvard11:51 Challenges in Quantum Computing20:28 Quantum Error Correction28:39 The Role of Rydberg Atoms29:46 Building a Quantum Computer39:34 Overcoming Skepticism and Funding Issues40:46 Technical Innovations in Quantum Computing48:27 Future of Quantum ComputingFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT...WEBSITE:https://www.632nm.com

In this episode, we sit down with Nobel laureate John Clauser to discuss his experiments from the early 1960’s, testing Bell's inequalities and quantum entanglement. Clauser shares the story of how, as a graduate student, he proposed testing quantum mechanics against Einstein's local realism - an idea that most prominent physicists, including Richard Feynman, dismissed as a waste of time. Despite the skepticism, Clauser persisted and conducted the first experimental tests that showed quantum mechanics was correct and Einstein was wrong about quantum entanglement.Clauser walks us through the technical challenges of the experiments, from building equipment from scratch on a minimal budget to collecting data over hundreds of hours—using punch cards and paper tape. He also discusses the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics and his current views on climate science.02:29 The Birth of Bell's Theorem05:00 The Struggle to Prove Einstein Wrong08:13 The Evolution of Quantum Mechanics Testing13:15 Understanding Quantum Entanglement22:14 The Historical Context of Quantum Mechanics34:56 The Wave-Particle Duality Debate41:01 Experimental Challenges and Breakthroughs01:09:06 Polarizer Angles and Experimental Errors01:11:57 Philosophical Implications of Quantum Entanglement01:13:54 Plasma Physics and Particle Interactions01:24:29 Quantum Communication and Networking01:28:15 Fusion Research and Cold Fusion Controversy01:32:59 Critique of Climate Change Science01:50:46 Advice for Young Scientists01:53:59 Reflections on Experimental Physics and CareerFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT...WEBSITE:https://www.632nm.com

In this episode, drug discovery scientist Artem Evdokimov discusses the science of pharmaceutical development, from historical breakthroughs to the current landscape. He shares insights on antibiotics resistance, the obesity drug Ozempic, and technical details of drug screening methods like DNA-encoded libraries. The conversation covers the economics of drug development, the potential of AI, and broader philosophical questions about human health and medicine. Evdokimov emphasizes the importance of avoiding oversimplification in science while highlighting both the triumphs and ongoing challenges in pharmaceutical research.03:18 Historical Roots of Medicine05:33 Evolution of Drug Delivery Methods12:52 Modern Drug Discovery and Challenges45:39 Understanding the Drug Discovery Process47:30 Challenges in Gene Therapy49:26 Complexities of Human Physiology53:14 The Role of Receptors and Hormones01:28:12 The Selenium Shortage and Shampoo Dilemma01:28:54 Challenges in Drug Manufacturing and Distribution01:34:23 Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Concern01:45:18 The Future of Drug Discovery and AI02:11:01 Exploring AI and Drug Discovery02:11:41 Outsourcing in Pharma: Pros and Cons02:13:56 High Throughput Screening and Machine Learning02:16:37 Challenges and Future of Drug DiscoveryFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWEBSITE:https://www.632nm.com

In this episode of the 632nm podcast, Nader Engheta shares his journey and experiences within the field of electromagnetics, from his early days at the University of Tehran and Caltech, to his current research in optical metatronics and nonlinear dynamics. He discusses the importance of motivation and curiosity in scientific research, the potential of optics in AI, and the exciting new possibilities for combining knowledge from different fields. Engheta also touches on his experiences in industry, interdisciplinary teaching, and offers advice to young researchers.02:19 Fascination with Electromagnetics03:14 Journey from Tehran to Caltech05:39 Exploring Chirality and Metamaterials08:21 Innovations in Polarization Imaging36:12 Exploring Antennas and Metatronics36:46 Dream Job in the Tech Industry37:24 Optics and Artificial Intelligence39:44 Brain Waves and Neuroscience53:20 Optical Computing vs. Electronics01:15:55 Exploring Optical and Electronic Constraints01:17:47 Optical Computing: Efficiency and Challenges01:20:58 Historical Insights and Modern Applications01:26:20 Nonlinearity in Optical Systems01:32:59 Future Directions and Advice for Young ResearchersFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWEBSITE:https://www.632nm.com

In this episode of the 632-nanometer podcast, we explore the evolution of quantum computing with theoretical physicists and experimentalists Peter Zoller and Ignacio Cirac, two pioneers in the field. They recount their personal journeys and discuss key breakthroughs in the development of trapped ion quantum computing.What are the fundamental challenges of quantum computing, and how did researchers overcome them? What detection methods were initially considered, and how has the approach evolved? In this podcast, you'll find the answers to these questions and learn about significant milestones, including the early experiments by Dave Wineland and Chris Monroe, as well as the role of fault-tolerant quantum computing and error correction in shaping the future of this technology.We also discuss the commercialization of quantum computing, its potential applications, and the future opportunities it presents for young scientists. Zoller and Cirac address foundational questions about quantum physics, the broader implications of their work for science and technology, and share strategic advice for aspiring researchers entering the field.01:33 The Meeting of Minds: How We Met02:19 Early Collaborations and Research03:35 The Birth of Trapped Ion Quantum Computing05:51 Challenges and Innovations in Quantum Computing08:47 The Role of Atomic Clocks and Other Systems15:20 Overcoming Skepticism and Technical Hurdles21:28 Advancements and Future Directions36:38 Exploring Magnetic Field Gradients in Quantum Computing37:00 NMR vs. Ion Trap Quantum Computing37:40 Reflecting on Influential Papers and Collaborations38:48 Quantum Simulators and Optical Lattices40:50 Quantum Communication and Entanglement47:42 Solid State vs. AMO Systems53:49 The Future of Quantum Computing01:02:54 Philosophical and Speculative Questions in Quantum PhysicsFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWEBSITE:https://www.632nm.com

In 1916, Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves, however, it took almost a century for researchers to detect them. In this episode of the 632-nanometer podcast, the team has a fireside chat with Rainer Weiss, the man behind the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics for the observation of gravitational waves. What are gravitational waves, where do they come from, and why are they so difficult to detect? What detection approaches were considered and how did they eventually succeed? In this podcast, you will find the answers to these questions and hear many other insights from Rainer Weiss about science and life in general. We also discuss space-time distortion, Einstein's theories, the evolution of black hole theory, the pioneering efforts of Joseph Weber, the limitations of early detection methods, the discovery of the interferometry approach, the significance of inflation, technological challenges faced by current detectors like LISA, the role of Richard Isaacson in securing LIGO's success, proposals for moon-based colliders, the role of AI in physics, the operational and financial challenges in large-scale scientific projects, and lots of strategic advice for future researchers.01:26 Explaining Gravitational Waves02:06 Challenges in Measuring Gravitational Waves04:21 Einstein's Predictions and Misconceptions08:12 The Role of Black Holes in Gravitational Waves21:00 Historical Experiments and Controversies41:54 Exploring Vacuum Fluctuations42:41 A Personal Story: Leaving MIT43:27 Dream Physics Experiment44:20 Understanding Inflation and Gravitational Waves46:36 Challenges in Gravitational Wave Detection52:22 The Role of Richard Isaacson in LIGO's Success56:06 Engineering Marvels of LIGO01:19:02 Philosophical Reflections and Future ProspectsFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWEBSITE:https://www.632nm.com

The great George Church takes us through the revolutionary journey of DNA sequencing from his early groundbreaking work to the latest advancements. He discusses the evolution of sequencing methods, including molecular multiplexing, and their implications for understanding and combating aging. We talk about the rise of biotech startups, potential future directions in genome sequencing, the role of precise gene therapies, the ongoing integration of nanotechnology and biology, the potential of biological engineering in accelerating evolution, transhumanism, the Human Genome Project, and the importance of intellectual property in biotechnology. The episode concludes with reflections on future technologies, the importance of academia in fostering innovation, and the need for scalable developments in biotech.02:38 Innovations in DNA Sequencing03:15 The Evolution of Sequencing Methods07:41 Longevity and Aging Reversal12:12 Biotech Startups and Commercial Endeavors17:38 Future Directions in Genome Sequencing28:10 Humanity's Role and Transhumanism37:23 Exploring the Connectome and Neural Networks38:29 The Mystery of Life: From Atoms to Living Systems39:35 Accelerating Evolution and Biological Engineering41:37 Merging Nanotechnology and Biology45:00 The Future of Biotech and Young Innovators47:16 The Human Genome Project: Successes and Shortcomings01:01:10 Intellectual Property in Biotechnology01:06:30 Future Technologies and Final ThoughtsFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWEBSITE:https://www.632nm.com