How to grow a quantum computer

What could replace silicon in the quantum age? Theoretical physicist Felix Flicker explores the remarkable materials powering tomorrow's computers.

Computers were once the size of large rooms. This changed when physicists came to understand a new state of matter: the semiconductor. From that point on, we learnt to grow computers from crystals of silicon.

These days the race is on to build a practical quantum computer. These are again the size of large rooms. What we need is a silicon for the 21st century featuring a new quantum state of matter.

Theoretical physicist Felix Flicker returns to the Ri to discuss discuss some possible candidates for these quantum crystals, including a naturally occurring mineral which features some (but not all) of the necessary properties.

Copies of Felix's book "The Magick of Matter: Crystals, Chaos and the Wizardry of Physics" are available from here. Please note copies of the book will not be available to purchase at the Ri.