The International Race for a Quantum Computer

Silicon transistors, the essential building block of most modern electronic devices, cannot shrink much further without being rendered inoperable by quantum mechanics. This classical-quantum threshold in fact presents a tremendous opportunity: if we harness quantum mechanics, rather than attempt to avoid it, we could build a quantum computer. Quantum computers will open up a world of opportunities — they could accomplish certain computational tasks exponentially faster which would otherwise be forever impractical. At this Cafe, I will discuss various quantum computing approaches, how quantum technologies will change our lives in a very fundamental way, and provide a snapshot of the accelerating worldwide race to build a prototype.

Dr. Stephanie Simmons joined SFU’s Department of Physics in Fall 2015 having recently worked for Oxford University, UK, and the University of New South Wales, Australia. Her work on silicon-based quantum computers has resulted in two Physics World's Top Ten Breakthroughs of the Year, in 2013 and 2015.

Everyone welcome, free admission.