Professor Gary Steele works with quantum circuits and the compatibility of quantum mechanics with gravity through vibration and oscillation.

In this podcast he explores 

• How quantum circuits function and what advantages they pose,
• How his lab is tackling quantum nanotechnology and features of nanotechnology materials by trying to harness gravity in quantum mechanics, and
• What are challenges to these endeavors and implications of achieving their goals.

Gary Steele is a professor in the Department of Quantum Nanoscience with the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at the Delft University of Technology. This podcast discussion explores both the importance of quantum mechanics in nanotechnology and ground-breaking use of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Professor Steele first discusses his lab’s work with quantum circuits. He explains how these circuits are on chips, and while classic circuits can only process current flow in one direction at a time, quantum circuits can enable the current to flow in both directions at the same time: that’s the advantage of quantum mechanics. These circuits can be used to make quantum computers, which have a supercharged ability for complex computations because of the ability to maintain 0 and 1 at the same time.

He’s also working on groundbreaking steps in quantum mechanics, trying to make a mechanical element maintain a super position, or basically, work in two places at the same time. He explains this complex project as trying to cause one oscillating object to take on the appearance of two objects that would have a force of gravity on each other.

In other words, this object would be exerting a force and not exerting a force at the same time.

He explains that this takes on the question regarding the compatibility of quantum mechanics and gravity. He thinks they are and explains what challenges and parameters need to be overcome that will get them closer to what they want to achieve.

For more, see his lab’s website: steelelab.tudelft.nl/.

Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

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