Physics Frontiers

Jim talks with Philip Tee about the effects of a fundamental length scale.  Phil uses doubly special relativity to try to find observable effects of the pixelization of space, including its effect on light bending and the Casimir effect.Show notes: http://frontiers.physicsfm.com/81

Jim talks with Philipp Strasberg about his simulations of branching and recombining processes in the evolution of quantum states, and their meaning for not only for the many worlds interpretation but also for understanding quantum mechanics in general.Show Notes: http://frontiers.physicsfm.com/80 

Elba Alonso-Monsalve, an expert on dark matter and primordial black holes, teams up with David Kaiser, a researcher investigating black hole formation from matter distribution. They delve into the fascinating idea that tiny black holes could explain dark matter, formed during cosmic inflation. The discussion highlights the distinction between primordial and regular black holes, and the role of quantum chromodynamics. They explore implications for early universe conditions and screening effects in curved space-time, illuminating new avenues in cosmology.

Bruna Shinohara, an expert from CMC Microsystems, dives into the cutting-edge realm of quantum machine learning. She contrasts quantum techniques with traditional methods and discusses the unique complexities of quantum data. Bruna highlights the power of qubits and quantum algorithms like Grover's in enhancing machine learning efficiency. The conversation also covers the challenges of dimensionality reduction and the iterative nature of integrating quantum computing with classical methods, revealing exciting potential for future advancements.

Alex Jurgens, a researcher in thermodynamics, dives into fascinating concepts like Maxwellian ratchets and their role in information processing. He explains the interplay between thermodynamic and Shannon entropy, revealing their significance in biological systems. The discussion also covers innovative ideas around informational reservoirs and the complexities of Markov processes. Jurgens highlights how energy and probabilities relate to autonomous systems and delves into how randomness impacts thermodynamic principles, challenging traditional views with fresh insights.

Jim talks with Claus Kiefer about the implications of Goedel's incompleteness theorems on the search for the theory.Show Notes: http://frontiers.physicsfm.com/76

Nick Ormrod and V. Vilasini discuss the use of categorical probability theory in analyzing the measurement problem in quantum mechanics. They explore the non-absoluteness of events and its implications for understanding quantum dynamics. The podcast also covers the violation of CHSH inequality, the Stern-Gerlach experiment, and potential modifications to address the measurement problem while preserving the absoluteness of observed events.

Jim talks with David Wolpert about the non-equilibrium behavior of computation, what it means for entropy, and how it relates to traditional thermodynamics.Show Notes: http://frontiers.physicsfm.com/74

Jim discusses quantum money with Jiahui Liu.  Quantum money is a linchpin of quantum cryptography.  The ability to create secure banknotes using quantum computers would allow even more secure methods of encryption for communications. 

Jim talks with Antony Valentini about the difficulties of interpretation of quantum mechanics in light of quantum gravity.  In particular, Antony discusses the failure of the Born Rule due to the impossibility of normalization (the fact that probabilities must sum to 100%) at that scale, and therefore the need to interpret the wavefunction as something more than merely the knowledge of the observer about the system.  They spend some time talking about the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation in light of quantum gravity.Show Notes: http://frontiers.physicsfm.com/72