The Quantum Divide

In this episode of the Quantum Divide podcast,  Dan welcomes Natalia Herrera Valencia, a postdoctoral researcher at Heriot Watt University, to discuss various aspects of quantum technologies and their practical applications. Natalia, a physicist from Colombia, shares her academic journey, highlighting her experiences in experimental quantum optics and photonics. The conversation delves into the nuances of spatial and hyper entanglement, the challenges of encoding information into multiple dimensions, and the practical considerations of industry readiness. They explore the importance of high-dimensional quantum states in enhancing data capacity and noise robustness, as well as the potential for integrating quantum technologies into existing telecoms infrastructure and data centers. The discussion also covers the complexities of coherent measurements and the development of advanced tools for quantum information processing and communication. Natalia's insights provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of quantum research and its future directions, making this episode a valuable resource for professionals and enthusiasts in the quantum industry.Beyond Binary Quantum Lab: https://bbqlab.orgEntanglement Unscrambled, Nature Physics 2020 Volume 16 Number 11: https://www.nature.com/nphys/volumes/16/issues/11Natalia's work: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=G2df8soAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

In this episode of The Quantum Divide, host Dan welcomes Can Knaut from Harvard University, a doctoral researcher working in the lab of Mikhail Lukin, a prominent figure in the field of neutral atoms. Can shares insights into his academic journey, which took a unique turn from business and economics in Switzerland to experimental quantum physics at ETH Zurich and eventually led him to Harvard.The discussion centres around Can's research on quantum networks, particularly a recently published paper detailing the entanglement of two non-local qubits using a single photon in the network. This achievement, realized in collaboration with Amazon Web Services, marks a significant advancement in the field. Can explains the innovative method used to store entanglement and provide memory, setting the stage for practical applications of quantum networks.Can provides an overview of his day-to-day work in the Lukin lab, emphasizing the collaborative environment and the importance of both theoretical and experimental approaches. He highlights the benefits of being part of a large, diverse team and the support provided by the Harvard Quantum Initiative, which fosters interdisciplinary research and education in quantum science.Listeners will gain an understanding of the use of silicon vacancy centres in diamond nanophotonic systems and the unique properties that make these systems ideal for quantum information tasks. Can also touches on the broader implications of quantum networks, such as secure communication and the potential to link smaller quantum processors into more powerful quantum computers.Tune in to hear about the latest advancements in quantum networks, the collaborative efforts driving this research forward, and the future possibilities this technology holds.

Welcome to another episode of The Quantum Divide. Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Piotr Roztocki, CTO and co-founder of Ki3 Photonics in Montreal, Canada. In this episode, we explore some aspects of quantum photonics, focusing on quantum networking and entanglement generation.Piotr discusses his academic background and his journey into the world of quantum technology, highlighting his work at Ki3 Photonics. He provides insights into the challenges and opportunities involved in building a startup dedicated to advancing quantum optics, and the role of entangled photons in quantum communication. Piotr explains the importance of quantum state analyzers, the application of spontaneous forward mixing in their research. He also discusses the advantages of integrated photonics and the concept of creating a "quantum rainbow."The discussion covers the role of dense wavelength division multiplexing in managing quantum photonic signals and the transmission of quantum information. Piotr addresses the challenges of quantum signal processing and the development of a robust quantum ecosystem, including the complexities of quantum transduction.Piotr shares his vision for multi-user quantum networking and the potential of software-defined quantum networking to enhance digital communication. We explore quantum entanglement and state projection, providing an overview of current advancements and future directions in the field.This episode is designed for physicists or network engineers seeking an in-depth understanding of the latest developments in quantum photonics. Whether you're engaged in research or practical applications, this discussion with Piotr Roztocki offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of quantum networking and its implications for the future of communication.

Episode Summary: In this episode, host Dan sits down with Simon and Robin from OpenQuantum to discuss the cutting-edge advancements and collaborative efforts in the quantum computing industry. They explore the fusion of traditional IT practices with quantum development, the importance of open-source contributions, and the exciting potential for future technological breakthroughs. This engaging conversation delves into personal journeys, industry insights, and the vision behind OpenQuantum's mission to revolutionize quantum computing.Key Takeaways:OpenQuantum aims to accelerate quantum computing development by leveraging open-source software and collaborative approaches. The company's mission is to create an inclusive community that combines expertise from classical IT and quantum domains.Robin holds a PhD in ion trap quantum computing and transitioned from academia to industry, working on innovative projects like cat flaps and functional prop replicas before returning to quantum computing. Simon comes from a diverse tech background, having worked with major companies like Dell, Ericsson, and Citrix. He advocates for open-source technology and believes in the transformative potential of quantum computing.OpenQuantum focuses on opening up the software stack to involve a broader tech and scientific community. Their goal is to avoid redundant efforts by promoting existing open-source tools and building upon them for greater efficiency and innovation.The company is currently working on several exciting projects and collaborations. They have established a strong relationship with GitHub and are actively engaging with the community to develop and maintain open-source quantum computing tools. Additionally, they are collaborating with the UK government and the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) to accelerate product development and foster innovation within the industry.