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July 12, 2024, Episode #439
In this episode of Circuit Break, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig welcome Rick Altherr, a full stack engineer, to discuss the intricacies of quantum computing. Rick shares insights into the working of quantum processors, particularly the trapped ion approach used by IonQ, and delves into the technical challenges and potential future applications of quantum computing. The conversation covers the practicalities of building quantum computers, the nature of quantum algorithms, and the current limitations that keep quantum computing in the R&D phase.
Key Discussion Points
- Introduction to Rick Altherr and his background in quantum computing at IonQ.
- Explanation of the trapped ion approach and its components like RF, lasers, and cryostats.
- The process of capturing and manipulating qubits in a quantum computer.
- The role of control theory in regulating trapped ions and performing quantum operations.
- The coherence time and its impact on quantum computations.
- Challenges in scaling up quantum computers and achieving practical applications.
- Comparison between trapped ion and superconducting quantum computers.
- The importance of laser cooling in maintaining the stability of qubits.
- The current state of quantum algorithms and their limited practical use.
- The concept of quantum advantage and commercial viability.
- Future prospects and the timeline for quantum computing becoming mainstream.
- Rick's insights on working remotely on such advanced technology.
- The role of simulations and empirical data in quantum computer calibration.
Relevant Links
- Rick's Mastodon Profile
- Calendly for Rick's Mentoring and Resume Review
- Quantum Country
- Bloch Sphere - Wikipedia
Community Questions
- What are your thoughts on the potential of quantum computing in your field of work?
- How do you see the impact of quantum computing advancements in the next decade?
- What are some practical applications you envision for quantum computing in everyday life?
MacroFab
This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing, and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.
We Want to Hear From You!
Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at podcast@macrofab.com.
Rick Altherr - Full Stack Engineer
About the Hosts
Parker Dillmann
Parker is an Electrical Engineer with backgrounds in Embedded System Design and Digital Signal Processing. He got his start in 2005 by hacking Nintendo consoles into portable gaming units. The following year he designed and produced an Atari 2600 video mod to allow the Atari to display a crisp, RF fuzz free picture on newer TVs. Over a thousand Atari video mods where produced by Parker from 2006 to 2011 and the mod is still made by other enthusiasts in the Atari community.
In 2006, Parker enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin as a Petroleum Engineer. After realizing electronics was his passion he switched majors in 2007 to Electrical and Computer Engineering. Following his previous background in making the Atari 2600 video mod, Parker decided to take more board layout classes and circuit design classes. Other areas of study include robotics, microcontroller theory and design, FPGA development with VHDL and Verilog, and image and signal processing with DSPs. In 2010, Parker won a Ti sponsored Launchpad programming and design contest that was held by the IEEE CS chapter at the University. Parker graduated with a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Spring of 2012.
In the Summer of 2012, Parker was hired on as an Electrical Engineer at Dynamic Perception to design and prototype new electronic products. Here, Parker learned about full product development cycles and honed his board layout skills. Seeing the difficulties in managing operations and FCC/CE compliance testing, Parker thought there had to be a better way for small electronic companies to get their product out in customer's hands.
Parker also runs the blog, longhornengineer.com, where he posts his personal projects, technical guides, and appnotes about board layout design and components.
Stephen Kraig
Stephen Kraig is a component engineer working in the aerospace industry. He has applied his electrical engineering knowledge in a variety of contexts previously, including oil and gas, contract manufacturing, audio electronic repair, and synthesizer design. A graduate of Texas A&M, Stephen has lived his adult life in the Houston, TX, and Denver, CO, areas.
Stephen has never said no to a project. From building guitar amps (starting when he was 17) to designing and building his own CNC table to fine-tuning the mineral composition of the water he uses to brew beer, he thrives on testing, experimentation, and problem-solving. Tune into the podcast to learn more about the wacky stuff Stephen gets up to.