In this episode of The Effortless Podcast, host Amit Prakash sits down with Professor Debdeep Jena, a leading expert in semiconductors, superconductors, and quantum devices at Cornell University. They explore the fascinating world of quantum computing, from its early 20th-century origins to its transformative potential in modern technology.

Professor Jena delves into key concepts of quantum physics and quantum computing, shedding light on quantum systems, qubits, and the challenges and promises of quantum hardware. With decades of experience in semiconductor research, he explains how quantum computing could revolutionize industries, from computational speed to energy efficiency.

In this conversation, they discuss:

• The birth of quantum mechanics and its evolution into quantum computing
• The role of qubits and superposition in quantum devices
• How quantum computing is tackling complex problems beyond classical computing
• Current advancements in quantum hardware and the roadblocks still ahead
• Professor Jena's perspective on the future of quantum technology and its potential impact on industries like AI, communications, and beyond

This episode is a must-watch for anyone curious about the future of quantum technology and its applications in modern science and industry. Professor Jena provides unique insights into how quantum systems are poised to transform computing, energy efficiency, and even artificial intelligence. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a student of physics, or a professional exploring the frontier of quantum technology, this conversation is packed with invaluable knowledge.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Entanglement, and the Role of Information in Physics
05:00 – Classical Computation vs. Quantum Computation: Understanding the Basics of Classical and Quantum Bits
12:00 – The Role of Information Erasure and Its Link to Energy Loss in Classical Computing
18:00 – Superposition and Entanglement: The Basis of Quantum Computation
25:00 – Bell's Theorem and the EPR Paradox: Understanding Quantum Nonlocality
32:00 – Quantum Measurement and the Challenge of Formulating the Right Questions in Quantum Computation
40:00 – Shor’s Algorithm and the Promise of Quantum Speedup for Prime Factorization
45:00 – Practical Quantum Computing: Grover’s Algorithm and the Search Problem
52:00 – The Need for Quantum Error Correction and the Problem of Decoherence in Quantum Systems
58:00 – Superconducting Qubits: The Technology Behind Quantum Hardware
1:05:00 – The Challenges of Packing More Qubits: Coherence Time and Integration of Quantum Systems
1:12:00 – Temperature and Cooling Requirements for Superconducting Qubits
1:20:00 – Advances in Quantum Error Correction and Strategies for Scaling Quantum Devices
1:28:00 – Future Directions for Quantum Computing: Materials Science, Algorithms, and Hardware Innovations
1:35:00 – Schrödinger’s Cat: Exploring Quantum Superposition in a Philosophical Context
1:45:00 – The Double-Slit Experiment: Quantum Interference and the Nature of Quantum Systems
1:50:00 – The Future of Quantum Computing: Overcoming Challenges and Expanding Practical Applications
2:00:00 – Concluding Thoughts on the Impact of Quantum Mechanics on Modern Technology and the Future of Computing

Hosts:
Amit Prakash: Co-founder and CTO at ThoughtSpot, former engineer at Google and Microsoft, and expert in distributed systems and machine learning.

Guest:
Professor Debdeep Jena: David E. Burr Professor of Engineering at Cornell University, expert in semiconductors, superconductors, and quantum devices.

Follow the Hosts and Guest:

Amit Prakash: LinkedIn | X
Debdeep Jena: LinkedIn

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