Clear as Quantum

Dr Danni Holmes uses a special single-atom gun to implant “donor” atoms into silicon chips for quantum technology. Working at atomic scales has its challenges — even a sneeze in a cleanroom can derail weeks of effort! Danni is an excellent communicator, and her most unusual science outreach gig was doing live experiments over Antarctica. She will soon be touring Australia for the Marie Curie Lectures as part of an award from the Australian Institute of Physics. Danni shares a teaser: quantum science isn’t just about tiny particles, but about everything from why stars shine to how quantum computing might reshape our society in the decades ahead.Curious how quantum science shapes the universe, and your life? Subscribe now and spread the word!

Ever wondered how the tiny processors in your phone or laptop are made? It all comes down to an ancient idea—writing on stone—taken to the most extreme level imaginable. Elliot Cheng is a Specialist Engineer in Nanolithography (aka tiny-stone-writing) at the University of Queensland’s Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis. Using electron beams and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lasers, he "prints" some of the smallest patterns in the world. This cutting-edge tech relies on quantum science and underpins the powerful, tiny computers we use every day.Have you ever dreamed of building things atom by atom? Subscribe and share with your friends! Due to audio issues, co-host Jacinta’s voice in this episode is redubbed by Isabella Means.

This special episode recounts adventures from the 2024 National Quantum and Dark Matter Roadtrip - a science journey of more than 8000km across Australia! The roadtrip has become a significant annual National Science Week event, and this year it drove from Brisbane to Broome across the top of Australia. We visited numerous outback schools to share engaging presentations and hands-on activities, all designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. We also hosted pub quizzes and a community market stall! An adventure this big leads to plenty of stories, and we share some of our favourite anecdotes. Can you picture scientists enjoying crocodile-defying swims and alien-infested motel ruins?Has quantum science ever "blown your whole mind", like it did for a student we met in the Northern Territory? Subscribe and share with your friends!

Karen Livesey talks about the quantum side of hot glowing things, revealing that quantum has been ubiquitous since the dawn of time. Karen is an Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle and has taught many students about how hot things glow in process called "blackbody radiation". Not only is this phenomenon thoroughly quantum, but it was actually one of the things that first led to the development of quantum theories in science. This is the first episode in a season exploring ubiquitous technologies that rely on quantum science, and Karen expertly explains kitchen toasters, sunlight, and even humans ourselves! Do you want to avoid things like the "ultraviolet catastrophe"? Subscribe and share with your friends!

It's been a long time without episodes, but we've "rephased" our podcast to restore coherence! Season 2 is coming soon, but this is a bonus episode to catch up on some highlights from the world of Quantum Science. Instead of interview guests we have two new co-hosts to introduce: Tim talks about nano-scale trampoline computers and an air-raid siren in his lab, and Jacinta shares her passion for quantum devices and emergent wormholes. The 2022 Physics Nobel Prize for quantum entanglement is a big discussion point, and we also touch on time crystals and even 2-dimensional time!Make sure you're ready for Season 2 of Clear as Quantum, which will explore ubiquitous technologies that already have us reliant on quantum science. Subscribe and share with your friends. We'd love to hear your quantum questions - send them to engage@equs.org and we'll try to answer them in future episodes!

Kirk McKenzie talks about quantum "noise" and some of the most impressively precise measurements ever made.

Glen Harris discusses whirlpools and the famously quantum property of "spin".

John Bartholomew talks about quantum memories and the challenges of keeping quantum information "coherent".

Thomas Volz discusses what the word "engineered" has to do with quantum science, and gives an exciting overview of the emerging quantum industry.

Lachlan, Liz, and Yasmine introduce themselves as hosts of Clear as Quantum, and share anecdotes about their own journey into quantum science research.