Clear as Quantum

Magnetic Resonance Imaging machines are excellent props in TV medical dramas, and Peter While joins us to explain the physics behind MRI. Yes it's quantum!Peter is an MR physicist working at a hospital in Trondheim (Norway) with a background spanning hardware design, clinical practice, and now AI-assisted image reconstruction. He walks us through what it's actually like to get an MRI scan, and how the whole process comes down to nudging the quantum spin of hydrogen atoms in your own body — meaning that anyone who's had an MRI has, in a strange sense, briefly been a sort of quantum computer. The technique involves no ionizing radiation at all, but the enormous magnetic fields do occasionally lead to other eye-watering safety incidents.Have you ever wondered about using medical equipment as a musical instrument? Subscribe and share with your friends!

Ting Rei Tan talks quantum clocks — and why atomic ones are so much more precise than the pendulums in a grandfather clock (or even the crystal in a quartz watch).Ting Rei is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney working at the intersection of atomic physics and quantum computing. He explains how atomic clocks work, why GPS depends on them being extraordinarily precise, and how the whole global timekeeping system quietly outsources itself to a network of atomic clocks most of us never think about. Along the way: the case for lutetium over cesium, and what it would mean to measure quantum gravity itself.Ever wondered why your GPS watch sometimes loses you mid-run? Subscribe and share with your friends!

Dr Danni Holmes uses a special single-atom gun to implant “donor” atoms into silicon chips for quantum technology. Working at atomic scales has its challenges — even a sneeze in a cleanroom can derail weeks of effort! Danni is an excellent communicator, and her most unusual science outreach gig was doing live experiments over Antarctica. She will soon be touring Australia for the Marie Curie Lectures as part of an award from the Australian Institute of Physics. Danni shares a teaser: quantum science isn’t just about tiny particles, but about everything from why stars shine to how quantum computing might reshape our society in the decades ahead.Curious how quantum science shapes the universe, and your life? Subscribe now and spread the word!

Dr Sol H. Jacobsen explores the fascinating world of spintronics — a field where quantum science already meets real-world applications. Sol is about to tour Australia for the Marie Curie Lectures as part of an award from the Australian Institute of Physics. Learn how manipulating electron spin opens doors to ultra-efficient information processing, and why this isn't just about quantum computing. We also dive into deeper territory: where does science end and philosophy begin? Sol discusses how quantum mechanics challenges our understanding of reality — and why these ideas matter to everyone, not just physicists.Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just quantum-curious, this episode is a must-listen.

Ever wondered how the tiny processors in your phone or laptop are made? It all comes down to an ancient idea—writing on stone—taken to the most extreme level imaginable. Elliot Cheng is a Specialist Engineer in Nanolithography (aka tiny-stone-writing) at the University of Queensland’s Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis. Using electron beams and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lasers, he "prints" some of the smallest patterns in the world. This cutting-edge tech relies on quantum science and underpins the powerful, tiny computers we use every day.Have you ever dreamed of building things atom by atom? Subscribe and share with your friends! Due to audio issues, co-host Jacinta’s voice in this episode is redubbed by Isabella Means.

We present the inaugural, ultimate, and grand final EQUS Ig Nobel Prize!EQUS is coming towards an end, and there's plenty of Type 1 success to celebrate. But that is for another place, because the stories that end up being told and re-told (and re-told) with the most relish are invariably about Type 2 enjoyment. These incidents were not perhaps enjoyable in the moment but have grown to become our favourite anecdotes to share and reminisce about! Would you rather endure wildlife in the lab, a travel cancellation involving "second-hand" accommodation, a smoke-and-mirrors masterclass, biosecurity evasion, or an interstate pronunciation prank?Subscribe to hear more of the best stories about quantum science and the people working on groundbreaking quantum technologies.

This special episode recounts adventures from the 2024 National Quantum and Dark Matter Roadtrip - a science journey of more than 8000km across Australia! The roadtrip has become a significant annual National Science Week event, and this year it drove from Brisbane to Broome across the top of Australia. We visited numerous outback schools to share engaging presentations and hands-on activities, all designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. We also hosted pub quizzes and a community market stall! An adventure this big leads to plenty of stories, and we share some of our favourite anecdotes. Can you picture scientists enjoying crocodile-defying swims and alien-infested motel ruins?Has quantum science ever "blown your whole mind", like it did for a student we met in the Northern Territory? Subscribe and share with your friends!

Lasers are everywhere, and David Coutts helps us explore some of the quantum ideas behind these amazing light sources.David is a professor at Macquarie University and has worked with numerous exciting lasers - including some that produce light in Aussie green-and-gold colours. It's fascinating to realise just how widely lasers are used, even if they're often a bit behind the scenes. They can also be quite exciting, with beams able to drill a hole in your eye or even blast rust off metal! David explains how lasers work and various ways they can be built.Have you ever thought about lasers powered by nuclear explosions? Subscribe and share with your friends!

Karen Livesey talks about the quantum side of hot glowing things, revealing that quantum has been ubiquitous since the dawn of time. Karen is an Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle and has taught many students about how hot things glow in process called "blackbody radiation". Not only is this phenomenon thoroughly quantum, but it was actually one of the things that first led to the development of quantum theories in science. This is the first episode in a season exploring ubiquitous technologies that rely on quantum science, and Karen expertly explains kitchen toasters, sunlight, and even humans ourselves! Do you want to avoid things like the "ultraviolet catastrophe"? Subscribe and share with your friends!

In this live podcast event, we switch up our theme for Season 2 (coming soon) to talk about things that loudly claim to be quantum—but are they?  Marketing gurus are alert to the appeal of "quantum", and many products use this buzzword to catch attention. Armed with a brief revision of what makes things really quantum, we have a go at working out how various items live up to this label. Have you heard of quantum batteries, dish-washing soap, TVs, shoes, fridges, and even motivational self-help? Some of these are totally valid, and others are more of a humorous stretch. Test your knowledge (or gullibility) against our live audience!Subscribe to make sure you're ready for Season 2 of Clear as Quantum, which will explore ubiquitous technologies that really do rely on quantum science (sometimes in hidden ways). We'd love to hear your quantum questions - send them to [email protected] and we'll try to answer them in future episodes!