Online Lecture: 'Codes, Computers and Quantum Physics'
Quantum mechanics describes how matter behaves at the atomic scale and below, and is one of the most successful theories of physics that we have. One of the most surprising discoveries of the late twentieth century was that it could also give us access to a completely new (and very powerful) way of processing information: the idea of the quantum computer was born.

In July’s Balliol Online Lecture, Professor David Lucas will introduce the basic ideas of quantum computing, its links to code-breaking and code-making, survey the current state of the art, and describe recent work at Oxford on building and using an elementary quantum network.

David Lucas is Hooke Professor of Experimental Physics, Emeritus Fellow and Tutor in Physics at Balliol College, his core subject area is atomic physics and quantum computation. His teaching includes classical mechanics, special relativity, electromagnetism, optics, atomic and laser physics and he gives undergraduate and graduate lectures on quantum and atomic physics, and techniques of ion trapping.

David’s research interests include experimental quantum information processing; ion and atom trapping; previously he worked on cold atoms in optical lattices, and precision measurements for tests of fundamental physics.
Date: 8 July 2025, 17:00
Venue: Venue to be announced
Speaker: Professor David Lucas (Balliol College)
Organiser contact email address: development.office@balliol.ox.ac.uk
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5717466921598/WN_HUc-SfTvTCqih4cw6Nnj5A
Booking email: development.office@balliol.ox.ac.uk
Audience: Public
Editor: David Barker