Unlocking Quantum Computing: Qubits, Superposition & Superconductors with Prof. Prabha Mandayam ⚛️

Join Prof. Prabha Mandayam on the Best Place to Build Podcast for a deep dive into how a Quantum Computer differ from a Classical Computer. What are Qubits, Quantum States, and Quantum Algorithms? How are Shor’s Algorithm and Grover’s Algorithm changing the future of computing? With this episode, we welcome you to step into the world of Quantum Processors, Quantum Gates, and cutting-edge concepts such as Entanglement, Decoherence, and Quantum Error Correction.

What You’ll Learn:
* The difference between a Classical Bit and a Quantum Bit (Qubit)
* How Transistors and Binary Operations paved the way for modern computing
* Types of Qubits: Superconducting Qubits, Photonic Qubits, Trapped Ion Qubits, Neutral Atom Qubits
* The challenge of Noise, Decoherence, and why Error Correction matters
* How Quantum Communication, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) are shaping the future of cybersecurity
* Emerging fields like Quantum Sensing and Variational Quantum Algorithms


Tech giants like Google and IBM, along with research hubs such as IIT Madras, are pushing the boundaries of quantum innovation. Who will win the race to build a practical Quantum Processor?

Whether you’re a beginner curious about the basics or a tech enthusiast exploring advanced Quantum Computing concepts, this episode breaks it down in simple, clear terms.

Check out Prof. Prabha’s NPTEL lecture here: https://nptel.ac.in/courses/106106232
Department of Physics, IIT Madras: https://physics.iitm.ac.in/academics/engineeringphysics.html

Head over to your favourite chapter here:
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Welcome to BP2B
01:30 Introducing Prof Prabha Mandayam
02:05 What is Quantum Computing?
05:00 Quantum Mechanics visualised
15:00 The Origin of Quantum Mechanics Studies - Photonics 101
16:20 The History of Quantum Mechanics | Algorithms Explained
22:00 What is Quantum Decoherence?
26:15 Google & IBM’s Experiments With Quantum Computation
31:50 Classical v/s Quantum Error Corrections
33:33 The No-Cloning Theory
37:50 Will We All Have Quantum Computers in Our Hands?
40:00 The Maths Behind it All
42:30 Variational Quantum Algorithms
44:50 The Interdisciplinary Nature of Quantum Computational Studies
49:30 Quantum Research in India
55:20 How Did Prof Prabha Get into Quantum Mechanics?
01:04:05 Do Women Pursue Quantum Computing Studies?
01:10:00 Closing Thoughts