Science on Tap: What Quantum Computing Will Do For You

Quantum computers exploit the bizarre features of quantum mechanics—uncertainty, entanglement and measurement—to perform tasks that are impossible using conventional means, such as computing over ungodly amounts of data and communicating via teleportation.

In this talk, Christopher Monroe, Distinguished University Professor and Bice-Sechi Zorn Professor of Physics at the University of Maryland, described the architecture of a quantum computer based on individual atoms, which has allowed demonstrations of small algorithms and emulations.

It remains a great challenge to build a quantum computer big enough to be useful for society, but the good news is that scientists don’t see any fundamental limits to scaling atomic quantum computers. Speaking at MilkBoy ArtHouse in College Park on August 28, 2018, Professor Monroe also speculated as to how this scaling-up might happen and what uses quantum computers might eventually have.

Science on Tap is a monthly lecture series at UMD that explores the latest discoveries in science and technology in a relaxed atmosphere with food and drink. The event is a partnership between the UMD College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, The Clarice and MilkBoy ArtHouse—a local crossroads for dynamic entertainment, social gathering and creative dining in downtown College Park, Maryland. This event is also sponsored by the UMD Science Alumni Network.