Day10 of #Quantum30 Challenge
Welcome readers! I came across a very wonderful resource to wind up the task for Day 10 of #Quantum30 Challenge by QuantumComputingIndia.
This wonderful resource is “Quantum computing in the 21st Century — with David Jamieson” from the YouTube channel The Royal Institution. The speaker, David Jamieson, is a Professor of Physics at the University of Melbourne. The lecture is divided into different sections that cover various topics related to quantum technology and its historical context. Here’s a summary of each section:
1. Introduction and Background:
The lecture begins with the speaker expressing gratitude for the opportunity to discuss Einstein’s contributions to quantum technology, particularly quantum computing. He mentions being in the United Kingdom as a visiting fellow from Australia. The lecture aims to explore the physics behind quantum technology.
2. Retrospective of the Computer Age:
The speaker reflects on milestones in the development of technology, including the launch of satellites, the Apollo missions, and advancements in computing. He highlights the transition from slide rules to modern calculators and the integration of transistors on silicon chips. The importance of error correction mechanisms in technology is emphasized.
3. The First Quantum Revolution:
This section discusses the foundational role of quantum mechanics in various technologies such as computer chips, optical fibers, and medical imaging systems. Classical principles operate these devices, while quantum phenomena underpin their functionality, leading to a revolution in the 20th and 21st centuries.
4. Introduction to the Second Quantum Revolution:
The concept of light as a wave is explored through Thomas Young’s double-slit experiment. Einstein’s revolutionary idea of light as discrete packets of energy (photons) is introduced through the photoelectric effect. The wave-particle duality of light is explained, along with the concept of photons interacting as complete entities.
5. Discovery of the Nucleus and Quantum Atom:
Rutherford’s discovery of the atomic nucleus and Bohr’s quantum model of electron orbits are discussed. Schrödinger’s Equation is introduced as a fundamental equation that describes quantum systems, allowing the prediction of electron behavior in atoms and molecules.
6. Discovery of Spin:
The concept of spin is explained using a spinning top analogy. The discovery of electron spin and its quantization is discussed, along with the phenomenon of spin precession in a magnetic field. Spin’s role in understanding atomic structure is highlighted.
7. Quantum Mechanics and Complex systems:
Dirac’s statement about the known laws of quantum mechanics and their complex applications is presented. The challenges of calculating interactions in complex systems, like the caffeine molecule, are discussed, and the limitations of classical computers in solving such problems are emphasized.
8. Feynman’s Vision:
The lecture concludes with a reference to Richard Feynman’s lecture “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom,” in which Feynman proposed the potential for manipulating individual atoms and molecules for technological purposes, effectively paving the way for nanotechnology and the Second Quantum Revolution. The talk discusses the concept of utilizing quantum spins or quantized energy levels for computing, a notion that emerged in 1959. This concept involves using quantum bits (qubits) instead of classical bits for computation. The speaker explains that while the idea existed, technology was insufficient back then.
9. Exploring Quantum Bits:
The properties of quantum bits (qubits) are introduced. Qubits can exist in a superposition of states, unlike classical bits which are limited to 0 or 1. This unique property holds promise for significant advancements in computation, especially in simulating quantum systems.
10. Historical Progress:
The history of quantum computing research is briefly discussed, highlighting a key 1998 paper that proposed using silicon and phosphorus atoms for quantum computation. The talk emphasizes building on this work to create practical quantum computers using phosphorus atoms in silicon, controlled by integrated electrodes.
11. Potential Applications:
The potential impact of quantum computing on various applications is explored. The talk mentions the possibility of revolutionizing vaccine development by simulating molecular interactions for drug discovery. However, this requires large-scale quantum computers with numerous qubits.
12. Creating Qubits in Silicon:
The process of creating qubits in silicon crystals is explained. This involves removing disruptive silicon isotopes and precisely implanting phosphorus atoms. The challenge lies in achieving order and control at the atomic level.
13. Innovative Technique:
An innovative technique involving an atomic force microscope is described. It is used to implant single phosphorus atoms with high precision. The goal is to create an orderly array of qubits that can be effectively controlled.
14. Recent Breakthrough:
The successful creation of a three-qubit device is discussed. Despite challenges, this device demonstrated the potential for maintaining quantum states and performing quantum operations.
15. Future Outlook:
The talk concludes on an optimistic note, expressing hope for the future of quantum computing. Ongoing efforts are focused on building larger and more efficient devices, which could lead to transformative advances across various fields by harnessing the power of quantum mechanics for computation.
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