Conversations on the Quantum World
You're invited to this special online series for the Caltech community and the public.
Quantum science emerged from studies of the smallest objects in nature. Today, it promises to deepen our understanding of the universe and deliver groundbreaking technology, from quantum computers to ultra-precise measuring devices to next-generation materials, with Caltech defining the discipline. In Conversations on the Quantum World, you will hear directly from Caltech experts about the next quantum revolution and have the opportunity to ask your own questions.
Past Webinars
Building a Quantum Computer
APRIL 14, 2023, 11 a.m. PT
Fernando Brandão, Bren Professor of Theoretical Physics
in conversation with
Whitney Clavin, Senior Content and Media Strategist, Office of Strategic Communications
Quantum computers of the future promise to crack some of the hardest problems in computer science, physics, materials science, and more, but how close are scientists to building a working quantum computer? And what exactly will these machines be able to do?
"Quantum computers are a completely new paradigm of computing, but it is not true that they can be used to speed-up any problem," says Fernando Brandão, Caltech's Bren Professor of Theoretical Physics. In conversation with science writer Whitney Clavin, Brandão, who is also director of quantum applications for Amazon Web Services (AWS) Center for Quantum Computing at Caltech, will examine the hype about quantum computing and provide an update on the field. Register to learn about different approaches to building quantum computers, the challenges scientists and engineers are grappling with today, and why this is an exciting time to be a quantum physicist.
Why Space Isn't What You Think It Is
JULY 12, 2022, 11 a.m. PT
►Read the Q&A
Rana Adhikari, Professor of Physics
Kathryn Zurek, Professor of Theoretical Physics
in conversation with
Whitney Clavin, Senior Content and Media Strategist, Office of Strategic Communications
In the next Conversation in this series, explore the mystery of quantum gravity. Magnify a digital picture enough times and you will discover the pixels that make up the image. Could the universe itself be pixelated, or "quantized"? Theoretical physicist Kathryn Zurek and experimental physicist Rana Adhikari are on the hunt for this phenomenon, a signature of what is known as quantum gravity. They will speak with science writer Whitney Clavin about how they use innovative instrumentation and approaches to unite the microscopic world of quantum physics with the macroscopic world of gravity.
The Power of Quantum Materials
MAY 25, 2022, 11 a.m. PT
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Nai-Chang Yeh, Thomas W. Hogan Professor of Physics
in conversation with
Ann Motrunich, Lead Writer, Office of Strategic Communications
Electronics continue to shrink in size and to grow in capability, speed, and efficiency. The devices that power society now rely on components engineered at the nanoscale. At such small scales, quantum effects begin to take over, exerting a powerful influence on how materials work. Industry professionals turn to physicists for answers about these seemingly confounding but critically important effects. In this event, experimental physicist Nai-Chang Yeh will share insights on what quantum materials are and why we can expect them in all our future technologies.
Storytelling and Science
APRIL 21, 2022, 11 a.m. PT
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Spiros Michalakis, Manager of Outreach and Staff Researcher, Institute for Quantum Information and Matter at Caltech
Ed Solomon, Writer/Producer (Bill & Ted, Men In Black, Now You See Me)
in conversation with
Whitney Clavin, Senior Content and Media Strategist, Office of Strategic Communications
Caltech physicist Spiros Michalakis and Hollywood screenwriter Ed Solomon will speak with Caltech science writer (and science fiction devotee) Whitney Clavin about how they collaborate to make science shine in film and television scripts, and the many similarities between the creative and scientific processes. Learn how core quantum concepts like entanglement can inform out-there cinematic concepts from time travel to the multiverse.
Why We Want Quantum Computers
MARCH 16, 2022, 11 a.m. PT
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John Preskill, Richard P. Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics; Allen V. C. and Lenabelle Davis Leadership Chair, Institute for Quantum Information and Matter
in conversation with
Whitney Clavin, Senior Content and Media Strategist, Office of Strategic Communications
This series is presented by the Caltech Science Exchange, which brings expert insight to the scientific questions that define our time. The Caltech Science Exchange offers trustworthy answers, clear explanations, and fact-driven conversation on critical topics in science and technology.