"Voices from DARPA" Podcast, Episode 76: The Quantum Logician

In this episode we hear from quantum physicist Dr. Mukund Vengalattore, a program manager in DARPA’s Defense Sciences Office, who oversees a portfolio of fundamental research programs aimed at unlocking new quantum insights and overcoming challenges to enable revolutionary capabilities for defense. These include harnessing atoms and superconducting structures for novel sensing applications (imagine tiny, super-sensitive antennas, infrared detectors or gyroscopes that vastly outperform much larger antennas, IR cameras, and gyroscopes of today); developing better quantum bits (qubits) for quantum computing (including using photons to encode information in novel ways); enabling field-deployable, tactical-grade mobile atomic clocks for our troops; and discovering new quantum materials for applications ranging from quantum computing to biomedical imaging.
We’re also joined by Dr. Mikhail Lukin, professor of physics at Harvard University, who led a team on Vengalattore’s Optimization with Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum devices (ONISQ) program that made a major quantum breakthrough published in Nature recently. Lukin’s team exploited characteristics of Rydberg neutral atoms to create logical qubits and used them to demonstrate the first-ever quantum circuit, a key step to advancing novel quantum computing architectures (Vengalattore provides a primer on the Rydberg atomic state). You’ll also hear about “optical tweezers” - which use laser beams that can be controlled to precisely grab and move around individual qubits without destroying their quantumness - and how they helped enable the breakthrough. To read more about the ONISQ logical qubit breakthrough visit: www.darpa.mil/news-events/202...
Normally, we’d recommend you jump right into the episode, but this time, a primer may be helpful. We suggest starting with our recent Quantum Mechanic episode before you take a deep technical dive to the subatomic level for a fascinating window on the vast frontiers of quantum exploration…and potential applications in the real world.

[@mmarrotte101]

Never knew about the Heilmeier Catechism! Thanks for such a solidly produced episode 👍🏼

[@rftulak]

using the Rydberg atom as a sensor is absolutely brilliant, it's genius !

[@V0L0DImer]

During my bachelor's I thought that spintronics is deadend hypothetical technology. I am really amaized by the research progress 🎉

[@visar69]

Information is faster than light can you provide details at which we exchange information compared to photon!

[@matthewmarston5149]

The Eagle is en route: Admiral Smoke Out today

[@goddess_of_Kratos]

Congratulations

[@nicholaslozenski5149]

## Enhanced Proposal in Response to DARPA CZcams Video
**Building upon the previously proposed modular, redundant architecture, this refined proposal incorporates independent node interaction capabilities through the nodal interface.**
**Expanding Functionality:**
- **Independent node interaction:** Each node possesses a dedicated access point within the nodal interface architecture, allowing for:
- **Selective manipulation:** External systems can interact with specific nodes for targeted measurements, control operations, or data retrieval.
- **Modular integration:** New nodes with specialized functionalities can be seamlessly integrated into the system through their respective interfaces.
**Potential Applications:**
- **Hybrid quantum-classical computing:** Independent node interaction enables the integration of classical computing resources for specific tasks, potentially creating a more efficient hybrid architecture.
- **In-situ diagnostics and control:** External systems can monitor individual nodes, enabling real-time diagnostics and fine-grained control for enhanced system optimization and error correction.
**Addressing Challenges:**
- **Security:** Robust security protocols are paramount to safeguard against unauthorized access and manipulation through individual node interfaces.
- **Standardization:** Establishing standardized interface designs ensures compatibility and facilitates seamless integration of diverse node types.
- **Resource management:** Efficient resource allocation strategies are necessary to manage communication overhead and potential bottlenecks arising from independent node interactions.
**Collaboration for Advancement:**
- **Security experts:** Crucial for developing robust security measures to protect individual node access points.
- **Standardization bodies:** Essential for establishing standardized nodal interface designs for broader compatibility.
- **System architects:** Responsible for devising resource management strategies to optimize communication and overall system performance.
By incorporating independent node interaction capabilities within the proposed redundant, layered architecture, we can unlock a new level of **flexibility, control, and potential applications** in the realm of topological quantum computing. This collaborative effort, encompassing diverse expertise, paves the way for the development of a powerful and versatile quantum computing platform.

[@matthewmarston5149]

I invented ATTOL whilst walking around with my bag, HIMARS, and Exacto..

[@SMPlyScott]

You should hook up with American Vet Gun Tubers. That dark humor is right up our alley.

[@AquisQuerquennis]

... sensing capabilities ...

[@PODMIOT-CYBERNETYCZNY]

Energy transfer grind SHIELD-PLANET SYSTEM DEFENCE CORE
DARKNES
†★†

[@matthewmarston5149]

Is Ukraine building my weapons designs

[@PODMIOT-CYBERNETYCZNY]

X

[@chrisclark4112]

Voices from DARPA= taking the piss with v to k