Tuesday 17th May 2022
How the world of the very small can help us tackle big problems
The foundations of quantum physics were laid out 100 years ago and initiated a Quantum Revolution. The First Quantum Revolution saw scientists such as Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, and Erwin Schrödinger uncover the counterintuitive laws governing the world of the very small, of individual quantum particles such as atoms, photons, and electrons. Nowadays, we are witnessing a Second Quantum Revolution: quantum technologies are entering our everyday life. Among them, Quantum Computers are expected to have a transformative and disruptive impact.
In this talk, we will take a closer look at what it means to “compute” and how computers are helping us run our everyday activities. Enter quantum computers, a totally new kind of computers which may help us tackle problems which have no solution today.”
Dr. Yashna Lekhai has worked in the quantum technologies sector for the past 5 years, starting with her PhD in quantum computing, focussing on nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond, and switching to ion traps to work at the National Quantum Computing Centre here at Harwell. Yashna enjoys taking an active role in outreach and engagement, aiming to inspire a wide variety of people.