Yuval Boger, also known as The Superposition Guy, has been podcasting for more than 15 years and discussing technology ranging from wireless charging to VR headsets. The subject of his latest show is quantum technology. He discusses with guests the why behind their quantum journey. On this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, he and host Veronica Combs discuss the industry and how to explain the promise of the tech without overpromising.
Continue readingScaling the Quantum Ecosystem in the Netherlands
In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, host Veronica Combs discusses the barriers to scaling quantum hardware and how QuantWare is removing them with the company’s co-founder and CEO Matthijs Rijlaarsdam. QuantWare’s technology platform helps customers build exponentially more powerful quantum computers. The company also runs a fab that produces quantum chips. Matt credits the Dutch government’s early and sustained financial support for the country’s strong quantum ecosystem. Tune in to understand how QuantWare fits into the full stack ecosystem in the Netherlands.
Continue readingPhysicist Returns to First Love: Science Writing
At university, Kirsty McGhee studied physics but always liked writing a paper a little more than conducting an experiment. She worked at several industry-leading publications before landing at Qruise, a quantum machine learning startup. Now she is learning Python and writing the company’s experiment catalog. She and Veronica Combs, host of The Quantum Spin by HKA, talked about how collaborating with colleagues and using clear language are key to effective communication.
Continue readingNational Labs: Turning Basic Research into Industry Solutions
What do you do with 450 scientists in 15 labs across the country? You take on the country’s biggest energy challenges and bolster national security in the process. This leadership role is one of Bert de Jong’s jobs at the Berkeley Lab. He leads the Quantum Systems Accelerator which pairs advanced quantum prototypes with algorithms as part of the National Quantum Initiative. Bert is also the Department Head for Computational Science. He discusses the vital role of America’s national labs in translating basic research into industry solutions on the latest episode of The Quantum Spin.
Continue readingPuzzles, Games & History Create Quantum Education
Postdoc researcher Joel Hutchinson discusses quantum materials and innovative science communication with host Veronica Combs in this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA. Joel is an experimentalist at the University of Basel who specializes in 2D quantum materials. He is also a science communicator who helped to build the “Save the Cat’” quantum quest, a game that incorporates physics puzzles as well as history lessons in scientific discovery. He and host Veronica Combs cover the Hubbard Model as well as the power of games to level the educational playing field.
Continue readingQruise Specialty: Care and Feeding of Qubits
Anurag Saha Roy, Chief Product Officer of Qruise, found the perfect place to combine his two interests of physics and science: building hardware solutions for quantum computers. In this conversation with host Veronica Combs, Anurag describes the complexities of booting up a quantum computer and the necessity for continuous calibration. Qruise works with researchers and quantum hardware engineers to make this process quicker and more reliable. Anurag also explains the need for a broader community for quantum software development as well as what classical software engineers can contribute.
Continue readingWrangling Qubits in the Colorado Quantum Ecosystem
Colorado has a full-stack quantum hardware ecosystem: home to companies making all the components that go into a quantum computer as well as companies making the computers. Vescent CEO Scott Davis and his team are right in the middle of this vibrant ecosystem. In the latest episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, host Veronica Combs talks with Scott about how his company helps scientists and engineers control qubits to build better atomic clocks and other precision equipment. They also discuss the contributions NIST and other government research institutions “turn on money” for the US economy.
Continue readingBuilding Qubit Controls with Curiosity & Collaboration
In this episode, host Veronica Combs talks with Michaela Eichinger, PhD, a Product Solutions Physicist at Quantum Machines. The company builds advanced quantum control technologies to ensure classical and quantum components work together seamlessly. Michaela also is a skilled scientific communicator, posting detailed and easy-to-understand explanations of quantum tech on LinkedIn. The conversation ranges from the excitement of working in a dynamic industry and the career opportunities for quantum-curious people at every skill level to the challenges of fabricating quantum chips and the importance of collaboration.
Continue readingCelebrating Scientific Discovery with Music, Art and Poetry
During its annual March meeting, APS celebrated the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology with a week-long Quantum Fest. The two directors of the event combined their scientific expertise with their love for art to tell stories of quantum physics. Smitha Vishveshwara, PhD and Marilena Longobardi, PhD, brought acrobats, musicians and scientists together on stage to display the wonder and power of nature from a subatomic to a cosmic scale. In this episode, host Veronica Combs and the two physicists discuss how the event came together and how hands-on experiences reveal the awe of scientific discovery.
Continue readingAt the Intersection of Quantum Tech and Health
Human biology is complex and doctors can always use a new tool to understand everyday illnesses, diagnose rare diseases and personalize treatment. Dr. Frederik F. Flöther, Chief Quantum Officer, QuantumBasel, is working with pharma companies and quantum startups to build new data tools for physicians and researchers that use the power of quantum technology. In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, Frederik and Veronica Combs discuss the collaborations that are developing these new tools as well as the ethics that should guide this work.
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