Quantum mechanics has transformed our understanding of reality, but how did we get here? In this episode, we celebrate the International Year of Quantum, marking 100 years since the birth of this groundbreaking field. From the fierce debates between Einstein and Bohr to the mind-bending implications of superposition and entanglement, we explore how quantum mechanics has reshaped modern science and technology. 

Dr. Paul Cadden-Zimansky, Associate Professor of Physics at Bard College, a physicist and science communicator, untangles the complicated history and science behind quantum mechanics. With years of experience bridging complex scientific ideas and public understanding, Paul takes us on a journey through the milestones and debates that defined quantum theory in the early years of its development.

The episode explores how quantum mechanics emerged from early 20th-century experiments, the heated philosophical battles that shaped its interpretation, and why its implications continue to challenge our understanding of reality. Paul explains how quantum mechanics has shaped groundbreaking technologies throughout the 20th and early 21st century. We learn how quantum theory is fuelling today’s cutting-edge technologies, from quantum computing to secure communications. 

Guests

Paul Cadden-Zimansky