Stupid Qubit - Quantum Computing for the Clueless

Jim Mortleman & Stuart Houghton•stupidqubit.com

An irreverent podcast demystifying current developments in quantum computing for a curious but confused general audience. Presenters Jim & Stu quiz luminaries in the field and attempt to find the answer to questions such as: • WTF is a quantum computer and how do you build one? • How do you program one and will they run games in parallel universes? • When will we get our self-aware, matter-manipulating quantum phones?

Last refreshed: July 17th, 2025 at 2:21 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

002 Will Britain be first to build a really useful quantum computer?

Will Britain be first to build a really useful quantum computer? And why is Microsoft trying to tie knots in spacetime? Plus quantum Brexit, quantum news, quantum questions, the Stupid Qubit Adiabatic Award and a song about ion trap qubits. In this episode, we learn all about Microsoft's bid to build weird qubits that seem to be both Lego bricks and loom bands. Then we find out about NQIT, the UK's collaborative effort to build a quantum computer, as well as chatting to Professor Winfried Hensin...

Feb 14, 2019•46 min

001 What the Photonic Muck is a Quantum Computer?

All over the world, scientists are busy trying to build quantum computers. What the photonic muck is a quantum computer? And why do you need dental floss to make one? How come it looks like a steampunk chandelier? And sounds like an armoured Morris dancer on a punctured spacehopper? Do they really work in parallel universes? And what's all this about quantum supremacy? Does it mean we'll soon have to submit to an army of quantum robot overlords? In this episode, we answer all these questions and...

Sep 26, 2018•51 min

Stupid Qubit preview episode #00

5-minute preview episode of "Stupid Qubit - Quantum Computing for the Clueless", an irreverent podcast for everyone that will reveal why quantum computers contain dental floss and might change the world.

Jun 11, 2018•5 min

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