What Quantum Computing Really Is — and What It Isn’t | Scott Aaronson | TEDxDresden

Quantum computing, a subject as fascinating as it is intriguing. To many also an incomprehensible one. Do you know what a computer is? And what it isn't? In his fascinating and entertaining talk, Scott Aaronson elucidates the potential and the limits of quantum computing. In a sober fashion, he gives an overview of the state of research, telling us not only what we could expect from quantum computers in the future, but also what we probably shouldn't. Scott Aaronson is the David J. Bruton Centennial Professor of Computer Science at The University of Texas at Austin, USA, and director of its Quantum Information Center. He is well-known for his “complexity zoo,” which helps to classify problems that can be solved by computers, both quantum and classical, according to how hard it is to solve them.

Scott is an accomplished academic researcher who published dozens of influential papers and won various notable awards, like the Alan T. Waterman Award in 2012. Before his current position at UT Austin, he taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for nine years. In 2004, he received his Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley and held positions at the University of Waterloo and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.

Furthermore, Scott is well-known for his ability to explain complex topics in quantum computing to a general audience. He writes a popular blog, “Shtetl-Optimized,” has composed several famous essays, co-authored webcomics, and published a book “Quantum Computing since Democritus.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx