Despite the hype, it’s been surprisingly challenging to find quantum algorithms that outperform classical ones. In this episode, UC Berkeley computer scientist, Ewin Tang, discusses her pioneering work in “dequantizing” quantum algorithms and what it means for the future of quantum computing.
“The Joy of Why” is a Quanta Magazine podcast about curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. The mathematician and author Steven Strogatz and the astrophysicist and author Janna Levin take turns interviewing leading researchers about the great scientific and mathematical questions of our time.
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Janna and Steve on quantum algorithms
02:39 Ewin Tang introduction
02:59 Recommendation engines and matrices
06:25 What is an algorithm?
07:45 The ‘Recommendation Problem’ and quantum computing
09:59 The difference between quantum and classical algorithms
18:40 Tang proves classical algorithm beats quantum alternative
20:11 Janna and Steve discuss Tang’s breakthrough
21:39 "Dequantizing" algorithms
23:54 Will quantum computing fulfill its promise?
24:30 Modeling quantum physical systems
29:19 Modeling chemical reactions of nitrogenases
30:58 Finding practical applications for your research
32:15 AI and quantum computing
34:12 Janna and Steve on the importance of blue sky research
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The Joy of Why is an editorially independent publication supported by the Simons Foundation. Funding decisions by the Simons Foundation have no influence on the selection of topics, guests, or other editorial decisions in this podcast, or in Quanta Magazine. The Joy of Why is produced by PRX productions. The production team is Caitlin Faulds, Livia Brock, Genevieve Sponsler, and Merritt Jacob. The executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzalez. Edwin Ochoa is our project manager.
From Quanta Magazine, Simon Frantz and Samir Patel provided editorial guidance, with support from Matt Carlstrom, Samuel Velasco, Simone Barr, and Michael Kanyongolo. Samir Patel is Quanta's Editor in Chief. Our theme music is from APM Music. The episode art is by Peter Greenwood, and our logo is by Jaki King and Kristina Armitage. Special thanks to the Columbia Journalism School and the Cornell Broadcast Studios.
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Quanta Magazine is an editorially independent publication supported by the Simons Foundation. We focus on developments in mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical computer science and the basic life sciences.
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