How quantum technologies may impact your life | Dr. David Awschalom | TEDxChicago

Key Concepts

• Quantum Physics: The study of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic level, where classical physics breaks down and phenomena like superposition and entanglement occur.
• Superposition: A quantum mechanical principle where a quantum bit (qubit) can exist in multiple states (e.g., both 0 and 1) simultaneously, unlike classical bits which are either 0 or 1.
• Entanglement: A quantum phenomenon where two or more qubits become linked in such a way that they share the same fate, regardless of the distance separating them. Measuring the state of one entangled qubit instantaneously influences the state of the others.
• Quantum Computing: A new paradigm of computing that leverages quantum mechanical phenomena like superposition and entanglement to perform calculations that are intractable for classical computers.
• Quantum Sensing: The use of quantum phenomena to create highly sensitive measurement devices capable of detecting minute changes in physical properties.
• Quantum Communication: The use of quantum mechanics to secure and transmit information, often through entangled particles, making it inherently resistant to eavesdropping.
• Quantum Optimization Algorithms: Algorithms designed to solve complex optimization problems by utilizing quantum computing principles, potentially offering significant speedups over classical algorithms.
• National Quantum Initiative Act: U.S. legislation aimed at advancing quantum information science and technology through funding and the establishment of national quantum research centers.

The Compelling Nature of Uncertainty and Discovery

Dr. David Ashalam begins by reflecting on his college days and his fascination with the original Star Trek series. He notes how the show's characters thrived on uncertainty and discovery, which he found incredibly exciting, contrasting it with the brain's natural inclination to avoid danger and ambiguity. This personal anecdote sets the stage for the central theme: the profound impact of embracing uncertainty to drive innovation and progress. He draws a parallel between the Star Trek universe's advanced technologies (personal communicators, universal translators, holograms, transporters) and the potential of current scientific advancements.

Historical Milestones and Unforeseen Consequences

The year 1969 is highlighted as a pivotal year marked by significant events:

• The Beatles' final concert.
• The debut flight of the Boeing 747 (Jumbo Jet).
• Woodstock festival attracting over 350,000 attendees.
• The Apollo 11 moon landing by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

However, a less publicized event from late 1969 is presented as a precursor to a world-changing technology: the ARPA project. Scientists attempted to link two computers between Los Angeles and Palo Alto. The initial demonstration failed when the system crashed after transmitting "Lo." Despite this setback, an hour later, they successfully transmitted the first word: "login." This experiment, born from failure, is presented as the genesis of the internet, a technology whose impact was unimaginable at the time.

Data Point: Last year, over 2,000,000 billion bytes of information were sent over the internet, with 5 billion users online and 25 billion connected devices, exceeding the human population. 70% of the planet is now covered by mobile networks.

The Laser: A Solution in Search of a Problem

The development of the laser is another example of a groundbreaking technology initially met with skepticism. Leading scientists, including Nobel laureates, deemed it impossible or impractically difficult. The initial scientific paper proposing the laser was rejected by a leading journal. For years, it was considered a "solution desperately looking for a problem." The speaker emphasizes how inventors could not have foreseen the laser's ubiquity today, from LASIK eye surgery and barcode scanners to tools for astronomical discovery. This reinforces the idea that uncertainty and discovery lead to incredible opportunities.

Exploring "Inner Space": The Quantum Realm

The presentation shifts to exploring "inner space," defined as the world of individual atoms, electrons, and photons – the quantum scale. At this scale, nature behaves in ways counterintuitive to our everyday experience.

• Classical World: Information is binary (0 or 1).
• Quantum World: Information exists in superposition, an infinite combination of 0 and 1. The value of this information depends on how and when it is observed. This is likened to moving from a black and white world to a world of color, representing immense potential.
• Entanglement: Quantum bits (qubits) can be entangled, forming a "quantum Facebook" where observing one qubit instantaneously affects all others, even without a physical connection.

The Dawn of Quantum Technologies

We are at an "extraordinary moment" where scientists can create, control, and engineer quantum behavior at the human scale, leading to fundamentally new technologies. Similar to the laser and the internet, the impact of these quantum technologies is expected to be profound and unpredictable.

Quantum Technology Applications and Research in Chicago

The University of Chicago is highlighted as a hub for quantum technology research:

• Quantum Computers: Scientists are building prototype quantum computers using focused lasers to place individual atoms into arrays. These machines can solve certain problems faster than any future extrapolation of supercomputers.
• Atomic Memories: Researchers are developing single-atom memories where a single atom can store a billion bits of information. This is a paradigm shift, as a piece of material smaller than a grain of sand could store more information than atoms in the observable universe.
• Quantum Sensors: Proteins are being used as quantum bits to create sensors that can enter living cells for early disease detection. This could lead to improvements in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) by 20 orders of magnitude.
• Quantum Networks: Hundreds of miles of optical fiber have been installed in Illinois and the Midwest to create entangled quantum networks, connecting quantum sensors, computers, and communication links.

The speaker acknowledges the rapid pace of development, likening it to "driving 100 miles an hour in the fog," where the road is being built as they drive.

How Quantum Technology Will Impact Our Lives

The presentation addresses the practical implications of quantum technology:

• Manufacturing and Optimization: Quantum optimization algorithms can revolutionize manufacturing by solving complex problems like perfectly ordering the assembly of a Boeing 787 (which has 2.5 million parts).
• Logistics and Scheduling: Assigning planes to gates at airports, even small ones, presents complex combinatorial problems. For example, at a small rural airport with 10 gates and 5 planes, there are 100,000 possible assignments. Quantum optimization can help resolve these issues for larger airports like O'Hare.
• Cybersecurity: Quantum encryption offers a promising solution to combat consumer fraud (over $12 billion in credit card fraud last year) and secure information, making it hackproof.
• Navigation: Onboard quantum sensing is expected to mitigate spoofing attacks on GPS systems, which have affected pilot navigation and destination security.

The overarching message is that quantum technologies will impact transportation, healthcare, business, and all aspects of life.

Chicago's Role in the Quantum Revolution

Chicago is positioned as a city with the potential to become a global leader in quantum science and engineering. The speaker invokes Chicago's history of ambitious engineering feats, such as reversing the flow of rivers and building the first skyscraper.

National and State Initiatives

• National Quantum Initiative Act: The U.S. has authorized 10 national centers to foster collaborations and translate quantum science into technology and the marketplace.
• Illinois's Leadership: Four of these 10 national centers are located in Illinois, a testament to the region's collaborative spirit.
• State Investment: The state of Illinois has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in building new labs and launching the Illinois Quantum and Micro Electronics Park, the largest state-level effort in the country for quantum manufacturing. This initiative is located at the former US Steel site, symbolizing a transition from heavy industry to advanced technology.

Global Competition and Workforce Development

The map presented shows a global competition in quantum programs, with Illinois's investment comparable to that of several countries. A significant advantage for Illinois is its extensive community college system.

• Job Creation: The next decade is projected to create over 800,000 jobs in quantum engineering, with 200,000 expected in the Midwest.
• Workforce Needs: Crucially, 70% of these quantum jobs will require associate degrees, high school diplomas, and undergraduate degrees. The community college system is vital for training this workforce.

The Importance of Collaboration and Global Standards

Drawing a parallel to historical technological shifts, the speaker emphasizes the importance of global collaboration. Attracting and nurturing talent, fostering companies, and bringing new ideas to Chicago and the Midwest are essential for maintaining global leadership and setting quantum technology standards.

Conclusion: Boldly Going Forward

The speaker concludes by reiterating the profound interconnectedness of our world, surpassing even science fiction. While teleportation of people is not yet a reality, the ability to teleport atomic information over hundreds of miles without physical connections is a current achievement, aiming for global quantum entanglement. Chicago is poised at the precipice of this new technological era, ready to work together to "boldly go where no one has gone before."