632nm

What happens to our sense of self when someone tells us we’re smart—or not so smart?Watch the 2025 Ig Nobel Ceremony here: https://youtu.be/z1cP4xKd_L4In this episode, we sit down with Marcin Zajenkowski, professor of psychology at the University of Warsaw and co-winner of the 2025 Ig Nobel Prize in Psychology, for his study on how intelligence feedback affects temporary narcissism. Along with his collaborator Gilles Gignac of the University of Western Australia, Zajenkowski showed that telling people they’re above average on an IQ test can boost their feelings of uniqueness and specialness—while negative feedback can dramatically lower their self-assessed intelligence.We explore how the team designed their experiment using real tests but fake feedback, what their findings reveal about everyday praise and criticism (from classrooms to parenting), and why “intelligence” carries a special weight compared with traits like empathy or emotional intelligence. Zajenkowski also explains how trait narcissism can act as a shield against negative feedback, how imposter syndrome fits on the other side of the spectrum, and what his research suggests about staying realistically positive without tipping into self-delusion.Whether you’re curious about psychology, narcissism, intelligence testing, education, or the quirks of human self-perception, this conversation offers a rare insider’s look at an award-winning experiment on how a few simple words can shift how special we feel.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:45 - Study Design and Background05:33 - Implications for the Education System09:50 - Why are People So Defensive About Intelligence?12:57 - Do Depressed People Reaffirm the Negative?15:11 - Are Americans Too Positive?18:43 - Couples and Mate Selection

Times have changed. And cesium clocks can't keep up.In this episode, we sit down with Jun Ye, Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA) Fellow and pioneer of optical lattice clocks, whose work has pushed timekeeping far beyond traditional cesium atomic clocks. Ye explains how combining ultra-stable lasers, frequency combs, and ultra-cold atoms produces clocks more than 100× more precise than today’s standards: so sensitive they can detect gravitational time dilation across the width of a human hair.We explore how this next generation of atomic clocks may open windows onto gravitational waves, test Einstein’s relativity in new regimes, and even help build a GPS for space travel. Ye also shares his personal journey from growing up during China’s Cultural Revolution to becoming a leader in precision measurement, and what that experience taught him about resilience, mentorship, and protecting scientific inquiry.Whether you’re curious about time, relativity, quantum physics, GPS technology, or the frontiers of precision measurement, this conversation offers a rare insider’s look at how breakthroughs in timekeeping can lead to entirely new physics.Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/632nmpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/632nm/about/Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Follow our hosts!Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.comTimestamps:00:00 - Intro01:17 - Why Haven't Optical Clocks Replaced Cesium Clocks?10:45 - Fundamentals of Optical Atomic Clocks17:34 - History of Atomic Clocks30:18 - What is JILA?35:01 - What brought Jun to JILA?39:33 - What does it take to get a PhD in Physics?42:40 - Jun Ye's PhD work44:36 - Limitations of Laser Stabilization50:38 - How Do We Make the Most Stable Lasers?57:28 - How to Measure Laser Coherence Times1:04:24 - Building Atomic Clocks from First Principles1:08:59 - Jun's Notable Accomplishments1:14:00 - Magic Frequencies for Optical Traps1:21:04 - Can AI Improve Atomic Clocks?1:24:00 - How Does Quantum Entanglement Affect Clocks?1:30:29 - Development of Quantum Computers1:34:23 - Pros and Cons of Nuclear Clocks1:43:49 - What Would Jun Do With Unlimited Research Funding?1:47:09 - Lessons from China's Cultural Revolution#quantumcomputing #quantumphysics #atomicclock #laser #physics #optics #astrophysics #astronomy #spacetime

How did cooling atoms with lasers revolutionize our understanding of time?In this episode, we speak with Bill Phillips, Nobel Laureate in Physics, about his groundbreaking work on laser cooling and trapping of atoms: research that not only won him the Nobel Prize but also transformed modern timekeeping and technology. Phillips explains why breaking the Doppler cooling limit changed physics forever and what it means that today’s clocks can measure time differences caused by moving a device just a few millimeters in Earth’s gravity.We discuss the history of timekeeping from sundials to atomic clocks, how Einstein’s relativity reshaped our view of time, and the serendipitous discovery of sub-Doppler cooling that opened the door to ultra-precise measurement, quantum computing, and fundamental tests of nature. Along the way, Phillips reflects on the culture of physics, the importance of mentorship, and the joy of discovery.Whether you’re curious about time, relativity, quantum physics, GPS technology, or the frontiers of precision measurement, this conversation offers rare insight into how science, collaboration, and curiosity converge to shape the modern world.Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/632nmpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/632nm/about/Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Follow our hosts!Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: [https://www.632nm.com](https://www.632nm.com/)Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:43 - What is Time?05:49 - How Did Bill Get Into Atom Cooling?18:30 - How Do Atomic Clocks Actually Work?31:08 - History of Atomic Clocks37:18 - Laser Cooling for Atomic Clocks40:49 - How To Synchronize Atomic Clocks43:20 - How Cesium Cooling Was Developed45:48 - Pushing Beyond the Doppler Limit49:47 - The Beginning of Thor Labs52:45 - The Previous Limits were Wrong1:05:37 - How Bill Broke the Doppler Limit1:12:22 - What is Optical Pumping?1:20:27 - Can Atom Trapping Be Leveraged For Cold Fusion?1:31:32 - What Makes Bill So Lucky?1:35:25 - How Bill's Work Led to Atomic Clocks1:41:05 - What Makes Cesium So Good For Atomic Clocks?1:47:38 - Quantum Effects on Atomic Clocks1:59:02 - Bose-Einstein Condensates2:09:05 - Did Bill's Work Lead To Quantum Computing?2:11:26 - Bill's Thoughts on the Future#billphillips #nobelprize #laser #atomicclock #dopplereffect #quantumcomputing #quantumphysics #gps #physics #boseeinsteincondensate #theoreticalphysics #relativity

What does it take to turn a banned psychedelic into an FDA-approved medicine?Visit MAPS to read about the latest progress is psychedelic research: https://maps.org/In this episode, we speak with Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), about the decades-long mission to make MDMA-assisted therapy a legal treatment for PTSD and other mental health conditions. Rick received his PhD from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government in public policy focusing on the regulation of medical use of psychedelics in 2001. Rick shares the science behind MDMA’s therapeutic effects, the strategy for winning over regulators, and the battles over claims of neurotoxicity. We discuss the history of psychedelic research, the rise of the underground therapy movement, and how clinical trials, policy change, and cultural perception must align to move psychedelics from stigma to science.Whether you’re curious about psychedelic science, drug policy reform, FDA clinical trials, or the future of mental health treatment, this conversation delivers expert insight into the intersection of research, regulation, and real-world impact.Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/632nmpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/632nm/about/Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Follow our hosts!Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: [https://www.632nm.com](https://www.632nm.com/)Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:32 - How Would Rick Describe a Psychedelic Experience?05:02 - What is Rick's Favorite Psychedelic?09:46 - The Underground is Ahead of the Research12:45 - How Rick Got Interested in Psychedelics26:39 - Can Psychedelics Stop War?40:45 - Do People Need Trauma?45:09 - Is America a Falling Empire?52:08 - What if MAPS was in the YC?55:00 - Why was MDMA the Choice to Push for Legality?1:02:22 - The Origins of Modern Psychedelic Therapy1:05:20 - Misinformation Around Psychedelics1:17:12 - How MAPS is Developing Psychedelic Therapies1:30:13 - How Should Healthy People Use Psychedelics?1:38:05 - Psychedelic Experiences as Rites of Passage1:42:02 - Finding Life's Purpose1:52:49 - Why Do Fears of Psychedelics Persist?1:56:44 - What Does It Take for Psychedelics to Get FDA Approved?2:13:55 - Rick's Pet Wolf2:23:39 - Rick's Last Interaction with his Wolf2:30:55 - Psychedelic Group Therapy2:33:37 - We Need More Psychedelic Therapists

Life’s First Blueprint Wasn’t DNA; it was RNA.Read Jacob Fine’s latest publication here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022283625001901Today we spoke with Jacob Fine, graduate student researcher in Computational Biology from the University of Toronto. We explore the physics of replication, the role of entropy and information theory, and how modern biology is reconnecting with theory to understand the most fundamental question in science. Our conversation takes place in a Russian sauna, where the hot and humid environment mimics some of the conditions needed for life to begin.Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/632nmpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/632nm/about/Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Follow our hosts!Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.comTimestamps:00:00 - Intro01:22 - What does any theory of the origin of life need to explain?04:09 - When did people begin researching the origin of life?06:51 - Competing theories of the origin of life11:00 - The RNA world hypothesis21:38 - Biological vs computational error24:58 - Origin of life is the origin of information33:30 - Without error, there would be no life36:07 - Early compartmentalization mechanisms47:26 - What do we need to prove theories on the origin of life?57:23 - What makes a useful model for biology?1:04:44 - What inspired Jacob to investigate the origin of life?1:09:45 - Jacob's favorite theories for the origin of life1:11:58 - Do we need a Manhattan project to discover the origin of life?1:18:49 - What are the next steps for origins of life research?1:24:06 -  Has exposure to religion shaped Jacob’s perspective on science? 

One of Keith Johnson’s final interviews: a brilliant mind on dark matter, water, and fusion.Read about Keith’s legacy here: https://news.mit.edu/2025/keith-johnson-materials-scientist-independent-filmmaker-dies-0723This episode is one of the final recorded conversations with MIT physicist Keith Johnson, who passed away just weeks after our interview. In this conversation, he unpacks his early research on the quantum structure of matter, his cold fusion theories, and how it all led to a screenplay about a young female physicist. Johnson also suggests a radical idea: water clusters in space might explain some aspects of dark matter. A one-of-a-kind interview that blends science, art, and speculation.We’re honored to share this glimpse into Keith’s remarkable intellect, creativity, and curiosity. May his legacy continue to inspire.Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/632nmpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/632nm/about/Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Follow our hosts!Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.comTimestamps:00:00 - Intro01:03- Early Life and Education03:27 - Graduate Studies and Research Funding05:44 - Postdoctoral Work and Quantum Chemistry09:45 - Starting at MIT and Collaborations15:05 - Cold Fusion and Film Making23:38 - Keith's First Screenplay28:55 - Filming a Movie at MIT43:50 - Water Clusters and Quantum Energy53:54 - Is Cold Fusion Possible?1:07:13 - Challenges in Fusion Energy1:12:09 - Advice for Young ScientistsAPPENDIX:1:15:42 - Water Might Be Connected to Dark Matter1:24:49 - Cosmic Dust and Supernovae1:28:36 - The Role of Water in the Universe1:38:32 - The Future of Dark Matter Research1:51:27 - Water Might Have Been Created Sooner After the Big Bang#KeithJohnson #MIT #ScienceAndStorytelling #QuantumPhysics #DarkMatter #Astrobiology #BreakingSymmetry

Did the Big Bang really happen? Telescopes, dark matter & cosmic origins explored.Join cosmologist Brian Keating as we explore the mysteries of the universe, from building telescopes at the South Pole to measuring the polarization of the cosmic microwave background and chasing signs of gravitational waves. We discuss Galileo’s influence, cosmic inflation, and how the Nobel Prize could be changed to better reflect the way we do science. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/632nmpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/632nm/about/Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.com

In this episode of the 632nm podcast, Scott Aaronson shares his early fascination with calculus at age 11 and how “rediscovering” old mathematics led him toward groundbreaking work in complexity theory. He gives a lucid explanation of P vs NP, revealing how seemingly trivial questions about verifying solutions speak to some of the deepest unsolved problems in all of computing.Aaronson also explores the frontiers of quantum computing, from the nuances of quantum supremacy experiments to the idea of quantum money and certified randomness. He explains how amplitudes—rather than straightforward probabilities—unlock powerful interference effects, yet still face limits imposed by measurement. The conversation concludes with a look at the future of fault-tolerant quantum computers and the possibility that we’ve finally reached the ultimate horizon of computability—unless nature has even stranger surprises in store.02:01 Early Fascination with Mathematics05:10 Exploring Complexity Theory09:10 Understanding P vs NP22:38 The Significance of P vs NP in Cryptography and AI35:04 Mapping Problems and NP Completeness38:37 Quantum Computing and BQP41:41 Shor's Algorithm and Cryptography45:39 Simulating Quantum Systems52:04 Digital vs Analog Quantum Computers58:18 Grover's Algorithm and Quantum Speedup01:02:04 Challenges in Quantum Algorithm Development01:06:41 Beam Splitter Networks and Quantum Sampling01:15:22 Quantum Computing and Information Storage01:17:24 Shor's Algorithm and Factoring Numbers01:20:56 Google's Quantum Supremacy Demonstration01:49:19 Quantum Money and Unclonable Cash01:57:15 The Future of Quantum ComputingFollow us:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.com

In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we explore cutting-edge ideas in epigenetics and academic publishing. Oded Rechavi reveals how C. elegans worms defy conventional genetics by passing on traits through small RNAs, and discusses how these mechanisms might reshape our understanding of heredity. We also hear about a remarkable experiment hijacking Toxoplasma gondii—the so-called “cat parasite”—to deliver proteins into the brain, opening possible routes for new therapies.Beyond the lab, we explore problems with modern publishing, from glacial review timelines to flawed incentives that push quantity over quality. Learn how AI-driven solutions might speed up peer review, allow scientists to focus on what truly matters, and help keep the spark of curiosity alive.02:33 The Journey of Memeing on Twitter 06:50 Frustrations with Scientific Publishing 13:36 AI in Scientific Reviews 23:57 The Joys and Challenges of Academia 28:25 The Dead Sea Scrolls Project 45:15 Exploring Epigenetic Processes 47:16 Advantages of C. Elegans in Research 51:45 Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance 57:07 Challenges in Human Epigenetic Research 01:08:58 Model Organisms in Scientific Research 01:14:50 Innovative Brain Parasite Research 01:22:11 The State of Academic Science 01:29:19 Balancing Science and Life in Israel 01:32:00 Improving the Scientific SystemFollow us:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.com

In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we explore how diamond-based nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers went from being a curiosity in gemstone physics to a transformative tool for precision magnetometry. You’ll hear how these tiny defects enable room-temperature quantum sensing, providing ultra-high spatial resolution and remarkable resilience in extreme conditions—from planetary research unlocking secrets of our solar system’s earliest days to potential biomedical diagnostics. Our guest recounts the serendipitous connections, engineering challenges, and surprising scientific discoveries along the way.We also discuss how interdisciplinary collaborations spark new ideas, how startups and academia differ in their pursuit of quantum breakthroughs, and why community-driven science can accelerate major scientific leaps.00:42 The Fascination with Diamonds and NV Centers02:58 Early Research and Collaborations10:21 Breakthroughs and Applications in Science50:48 Advancements in Magnetic Imaging51:59 Commercial Applications of Quantum Diamond Microscopes01:02:16 Challenges in Translating Research to Products01:11:11 Future Prospects and Innovations01:36:46 Exploring Quantum Systems and Defects01:39:03 The Harvard Quantum Community01:44:53 Precision Measurement and Quantum Applications01:54:28 Advice for Aspiring Scientists*Follow us:*Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin*Subscribe:*Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.com

In this episode, Jeremy England reframes the origin of life debate by applying non-equilibrium physics, challenging the notion that life’s emergence must be purely biological or chemical. He describes how matter can “learn” from its environment, drawing on examples from spin glasses, protein folding, and resonating mechanical systems.England also shares how his deep engagement with religious texts—and his unexpected cameo as “the next Darwin” in popular media—shaped his understanding of science and spirituality. From his ordination as a rabbi to his groundbreaking thermodynamic research, England offers a unique perspective on the interplay between faith, scientific inquiry, and the age-old search for meaning.Chapters: 02:59 Jeremy's Journey into Biophysics 08:46 Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics 35:30 Dissipative Adaptation and Evolutionary Principles 44:34 The Evolution of Energy Consumption 51:35 Thermodynamics in Microbiomes and Ecology 57:18 Protein Folding and Cellular Computation 01:01:43 Origins of Life and Prebiotic Scenarios 01:26:02 Exploring Thermodynamic Constraints on Aging 01:31:48 Science, Religion, and the Infinite Regress 01:36:04 Jewish Law and Modern Materials 01:39:47 Torah's Approach to Existence 02:01:56 Moses' Signs and Worldview 02:09:03 Balancing Practicality and Spirituality 02:14:02 Advice for Aspiring ScientistsMore About Jeremy:Twitter: Jeremy England (@lifelikephysics) / XBook: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Life-Fire-Thermodynamics-Explains/dp/1541699017Follow us:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.com

In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we sit down with 1517 Fund’s Danielle Strachman and Michael Gibson to explore their Flux program, a unique pre-seed fellowship backing wild, unorthodox scientific and technical ideas. They share how they’ve helped founders transform “garage science” projects—like nuclear batteries, quantum computing prototypes, and cutting-edge materials—into serious startups. Along the way, they discuss the pitfalls of chasing academic prestige, the power of genuine curiosity, and how to leverage minimal resources for big ambitions.We also learn about the flexibility of Flux’s “cannon launch” grants, what it takes to persuade investors when your idea sounds like sci-fi, and why “hyper-fluency” and high agency are crucial for founders. Whether you’re a postdoc itching to leave the lab or a solo tinkerer with a radical concept, this conversation offers actionable insights on securing early funding and taking that bold plunge into world-changing tech.Our Guests:Danielle Strachman: https://x.com/DStrachmanMichael Gibson: https://x.com/William_Blake1517 Fund: https://t.co/Ltt0eiRJkzWant to apply for Flux? https://t.co/O8b5C0f21sFollow us:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.com/

In this episode of the 632nm podcast, our guest traces the evolution from the early days of Bose-Einstein condensation experiments to pioneering trapped ion quantum gateways. He reveals how breakthroughs in laser cooling and atomic clock research unexpectedly paved the way for the first quantum logic gates, beating out the BEC community at a pivotal conference. We also hear about the surprising roles of entanglement, error mitigation, and photonic interconnects in shaping modern quantum hardware.The conversation shifts to the commercial world, where government funding, venture capital, and startup challenges collide. Our guest shares insider stories about forming one of the first pure-play quantum computing companies, securing multi-million-dollar investments, and navigating the highs and lows of going public. From laser noise and integrated photonics to the promise of game-changing heuristic algorithms, this episode offers a rare look at both the science and business driving trapped ion quantum computing.Chapters:01:48 Journey into Trapped Ions 03:57 Early Career and Research at NIST08:13 The Path to Bose-Einstein Condensate 11:32 Applications and Implications of BEC 22:05 Measuring Ultra-Low Temperatures 27:46 Advancements in Atomic Clocks 35:09 Challenges in Atomic Clock Precision 43:39 Historical Development of Quantum Computing 50:30 Early Experiments and Advances in Ion Traps 01:02:59 Understanding Dipole-Dipole Shifts in Quantum Systems 01:04:18 Initializing Qubits in Quantum Computing 01:09:05 Challenges in Scaling Quantum Computers 01:13:14 Fidelity and Error Correction in Quantum Gates 01:17:51 Laser Noise and Quantum Computing Limitations 01:35:08 Commercializing Quantum Computing: The IonQ Story 01:41:53 Bitcoin and Quantum Computing Threats 01:44:09 IonQ's Journey and Going Public 01:46:39 Quantum Computing Applications and Challenges 01:55:44 Quantum Hardware and Interconnects 02:21:01 Speculative Future of Quantum ComputingFollow us:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.com

In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we explore how 193nm lasers unexpectedly overtook x-ray approaches and reshaped semiconductor manufacturing. Physicist Mordechai Rothschild describes the breakthroughs that turned a once “impossible” technology into the mainstay of chip fabrication, including the discovery of specialized lenses, the invention of chemically amplified resists, and the game-changing flip to immersion lithography. We also hear candid insights on the race to push below 13.5 nanometers, where new ideas in plasma sources and advanced coatings might one day carry Moore’s Law even further.Dr. Mordechai Rothschild is a leading physicist and technologist at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, serving as Principal Staff in the Advanced Technology Division. He has been instrumental in advancing micro- and nanoscale systems, with significant contributions to 193-nm photolithography—a technology critical to modern semiconductor manufacturing. His work has earned him the 2014 SPIE Frits Zernike Award and the 2015 Edwin H. Land Medal. With over 220 publications and 16 patents, Rothschild's research spans metamaterials, microfluidics, and nanofabrication. He holds a BS in physics from Bar-Ilan University and a PhD in optics from the University of Rochester.01:22 Early Days and Technological Challenges08:54 The Role of Photoresist in Lithography19:39 The Rise of X-ray Lithography25:52 Global Competition and Geopolitics28:45 Challenges and Future of Lithography44:33 Introduction to Excimer Lasers47:54 Applications of 193nm Lasers49:41 Development of Reliable Laser Sources58:38 Lens Aging and Material Challenges01:01:10 Exploring Alternative Materials01:07:41 Liquid Immersion Lithography01:15:21 Engineering Complex Lithography Systems01:23:43 Immersion Lithography Insights01:24:33 Prototype to Foundry Adoption Timeline01:25:41 Challenges in EUV Development01:32:24 Personal Journey to Lincoln Lab01:38:59 Exploring Advanced Lithography01:57:26 Future of Moore's Law and Lithography02:06:40 Advice for Young ScientistsSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyRSSFollow us:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin

In this episode, physicist Federico Capasso recounts his winding path from struggling undergrad to pioneering inventor of the quantum cascade laser. He reveals how openness, daring ideas, and the bottom-up ethos at Bell Labs led to breakthroughs that redefined semiconductor research.Capasso also discusses the blurred lines between basic and applied science, the importance of nurturing curiosity, and the serendipitous moments that propelled his career. From avalanche photodiodes to metasurfaces to quantum biology, he offers a fascinating look at how big discoveries often begin with a simple spark of wonder.

Eli Yablonovitch shares how Thomas Edison's approach of requiring "a thousand failed discoveries for every one that works" shaped his scientific philosophy. From solar cells to semiconductor lasers to photonic crystals to cell phone antennas, Yablonovitch reveals how each invention evolved from identifying fundamental physics concepts that others overlooked. He explains how his light-trapping concept now used in every solar panel stemmed from thinking about statistical mechanics. His strained semiconductor laser design, which initially faced industry resistance, eventually became the standard in all laser pointers and DVDs. Throughout his career spanning Bell Labs, Exxon, and academia, Yablonovitch demonstrates that true innovation comes from understanding basic physics principles and having the courage to pursue ideas others dismiss as impossible.

Join the 632nm team as we sit down with Nobel laureate Dr. John Mather. From his childhood days of building radios and telescopes to leading NASA's groundbreaking COBE mission, learn how a spectacular failure during his PhD research unexpectedly paved the way for his Nobel Prize-winning work. And hear the story of how NASA took a chance on a 28-year-old scientist who would change our understanding of the universe.Dr. Mather shares insights into the engineering marvels behind modern space telescopes, including the James Webb Telescope's ingenious cooling system and the concept behind hybrid ground-space observatories. Hear details about near-mission failures, midnight revelations that saved COBE, and the surprising connection between space telescopes and stealth fighter technology. Follow us:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.com

Join the 632nm team as we sit down with Harvard Professor Avi Loeb, in this fascinating exploration of astronomy, alien life, and the intersection of science and politics. From discussing the mysterious interstellar object that changed astronomy to explaining why Mars might not be the best destination for human colonization, Loeb challenges conventional wisdom with evidence-based insights. His unique perspective, shaped by his journey from growing up on a farm in Israeli to becoming a leading Harvard scientist, reminds us to think from first principles about the universe’s biggest questions.The conversation illuminates the stories behind groundbreaking scientific discoveries, including the work of overlooked pioneers in astronomy, and seriously explores the potential existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Loeb shares his vision for the Galileo Project, discusses the search for alien artifacts on Earth, and explains why artificial intelligence might be crucial in solving the Fermi Paradox.00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts00:34 Avi Loeb's Journey and Achievements01:15 Science vs. Politics05:49 Early Life and Philosophical Influences16:57 Astrophysics and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life55:19 Breakthrough Initiatives: A Surreal Presentation56:40 Stephen Hawking's Visit and Human Limitations59:17 The Search for Intelligent Civilizations01:02:09 The Future of Space Exploration01:05:33 The Age of the Universe and Interstellar Objects01:42:23 The Quest for Immortality: Leaving a Legacy01:43:31 AI and Human Existence: A Philosophical Dive01:45:57 Navigating Politics: A Scientist's Perspective01:48:13 The Scientific Method: A Path to Truth02:03:27 Galileo Project: Searching for Extraterrestrial Life02:40:52 The Simplicity of Science02:41:25 Exploring Oumuamua and the Galileo Project02:45:24 The Quest for Interstellar Discoveries02:48:35 The Origins of Life and the Universe02:59:22 The Future of AI and HumanityFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com

In this episode, the 632nm team sits down with Dan Aronovich (Data Science Decoded Podcast) to explore predictions about technology and society, starting with MIT pioneer Norbert Wiener's remarkably prescient warnings about AI from 1948. His concerns about artificial systems misinterpreting human instructions mirror modern discussions about AI alignment, while his skepticism of social sciences raises important questions about the limitations of studying human behavior.The conversation takes an unexpected turn as it delves into demographic forecasts that paint a striking picture of humanity's future. The discussion reveals how declining global fertility rates could lead to religious groups becoming demographically dominant, while technological advances might create a world populated by extremely long-lived humans augmented by robotics.01:16 Exploring Norbert Wiener's Cybernetics01:35 Main Claims of Cybernetics03:14 Cybernetics in Different Cultures04:06 Historical Context and AI Precursors05:30 Wiener Filter and Signal Processing10:16 Philosophical Insights and Social Implications22:48 Analog vs Digital and Future of AI31:56 Debunking Doom Predictions32:13 AI and Digital Control32:59 AI and Physical World Challenges35:13 Future Societal Structures37:58 Global Fertility Trends42:45 AI in Military and Arms Race47:15 AI Creativity and Hallucinations52:53 Psychedelics and AIFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com

The 632nm team sat down with MIT professor Seth Lloyd for a mind-bending journey through quantum mechanics, information theory, and the early days of quantum computing. Lloyd shares fascinating stories from his pioneering work in quantum information, including how he nearly got expelled from his PhD program for pursuing what was then considered a "crazy" research direction. Through engaging examples and personal anecdotes, he explains why quantum mechanics is "irreducibly weird" and how information and entropy are fundamentally the same thing.The conversation takes unexpected turns with remarkable stories about Stephen Hawking's quantum gravity lectures, Richard Feynman's three tricks that revolutionized physics, and epic MIT student pranks including the great Caltech cannon heist. Lloyd also tackles deep questions about consciousness, free will, and the computational nature of the universe, explaining why the universe itself may be its own most efficient simulation. His unique perspective as both a mechanical engineer and quantum physicist brings fresh insights to some of science's most profound mysteries.00:00 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Philosophy02:13 Academic Journey and Early Inspirations05:26 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Quantum Information11:17 Entropy, Information Theory, and the Second Law25:33 Quantum Computing and Feynman's Hamiltonian41:27 Discrete vs. Continuous Spectrums in Quantum Systems42:39 Early Quantum Computing Breakthroughs44:27 Building Quantum Computers: Techniques and Challenges50:27 The Universe as a Quantum Computer01:05:52 Quantum Machine Learning and Future Prospects01:19:12 Navigating an Academic Family Background01:19:50 Challenges in Quantum Information Career01:24:32 Reflections on Harvard and MIT Experiences01:27:01 Exploring Free Will and Consciousness01:57:09 MIT Hacks and AnecdotesFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com