From ATM cards to computer passwords, the power of codes and quantum computing is changing our world.
Current generation computers use technology developed over half a century ago; their potential for further development is limited by the density of bits of information that can be stored on silicon chips. If we are to progress to the world we currently see only in science fiction movies then these bits must be replaced by qubits — chips which store and manipulate information at the level of individual quantum atomic states.
Professor Andrew White lectures at the University of Queensland (UQ); in his spare time — when he isn’t “sprawled out in a squatters chair on the verandah of his Queenslander reading” — he loves to amaze people with the weirdness of quantum mechanics, while ensuring that they know just how “damn fun” science is.
In a free public lecture at the State Library of Queensland, on Monday July 14, Professor White will reveal the progress and the pitfalls of quantum computing and cryptography.
Come along to this free talk to gain some insight into the current research being conducted on quantum computing. And learn how light particles — photons — might be able to spark a computer revolution. You’ll also hear about how scientists are taking over from Sherlock Homes in the making and breaking of codes. Modern cryptography secures online conversations between you and your friends; you and your bank; and you and your boss!
Professor White assures us that he will explain it plain and simply so everyone will understand it.
“Decryption finds hidden patterns in what looks like random nonsense, and if you’re good at it, or you can design a program that is, you’ll be a highly sort after researcher,” Professor White said.
The public lecture will be hosted by BrisScience and, along with a Women in Maths Networking Event, form the outreach component of the 2014 AMSI Winter School being held at UQ from 7-18 July. The School is sponsored by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) and UQ.
Event details:
What: Public Lecture: Cracking the Quantum Code
When: Monday 14 July 2014, 6:30pm–7:30pm
Where: The Edge, State Library of Queensland, South Brisbane.
Admission: Free. Doors open at 6:00pm. No bookings required.
More information here or at BrisScence.
Speaker Bio:
Professor Andrew White, School of Mathematics and Physics, UQ, has conducted research on various topics including shrimp eyes, nuclear physics, optical vortices, and quantum computers. He likes quantum weirdness for its own sake, but his current research aims to explore and exploit the full range of quantum behaviours — notably entanglement — with an eye to engineering new technologies and scientific applications.
Andrew is the Deputy Director at the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQuS) and Program Manager at the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computing and Communication Technology (CQC2T).
Media Contact:
Stéphanie Pradier, AMSI
M: 0424 568 314
E: stephanie@amsi.org.au
