NSF Discover Superconducting Podcast

What if your computer didn't need to be certain to be powerful? In this episode, we take a deep dive into Professor Pedram Khalili's work in the emerging field of probabilistic computing — a fundamentally different approach to tackling problems that have stumped classical systems for decades. From cracking integer factorization to navigating complex energy landscapes, Khalili shows how pairing mag...

What if computers could think faster while using a fraction of the energy? That future may already be in the lab. In this episode of NSF Discover Superconducting , we take a deep dive into a talk by Dr. Kevin Osborn of the Joint Quantum Institute at the University of Maryland — exploring ballistic and reversible superconducting logic, a radical rethinking of how digital gates work at the quantum l...

In this episode, we explore the future of superconductor electronics—a promising post-CMOS computing paradigm offering ultra-low energy consumption and ultra-high processing speeds. Dr. Sasan Razmkhah of USC’s SPORT Lab joins the conversation to discuss cutting-edge research aimed at making superconductor very-large-scale integration (sVLSI) a practical reality. We dive into the development of  Fa...

This deep-dive episode explores the ideas from Jeff Shainline’s recent seminar on superconducting optoelectronic networks (SOENs) and the radical rethink of AI hardware they represent. We unpack how SOENs combine analog superconducting circuits, integrated memory, and single-photon optical communication to bypass the von Neumann bottleneck and deliver massive gains in speed, energy efficiency, and...

In this episode, we recap highlights from a seminar by Dr. Sam Benz of the NIST Superconductive Electronics Group, exploring his team’s cutting-edge work in quantum-based signal synthesis and precision measurement systems. Dr. Benz’s research focuses on superconducting voltage sources, quantum reference systems, and ultra-precise tools used by advanced laboratories and industries around the world....

What happens when magnetism meets superconductivity? In this episode, we explore a new frontier in quantum technology with Dr. Gianpero Pepe and Dr. Francesco Tafuri, leading researchers from the University of Naples Federico II. They explain how  hybrid magnetic Josephson junctions —devices that combine magnetic materials with superconductors—are opening the door to novel quantum devices, includi...

This episode dives into cutting-edge research exploring the integration of magnetism into superconducting quantum systems. Discover how hybrid Josephson junctions with ferromagnetic layers could reshape qubit design—introducing the "ferro-transmon" and enabling magnetic control in quantum circuits. Learn about the physics, materials, and breakthroughs pushing superconducting qubits toward a new fr...

In this episode, we explore the basics of single-flux quantum (SFQ) logic—a superconducting technology that enables ultra-fast, low-power digital circuits. Designed for circuit designers, this episode covers key concepts like superconductivity, Cooper pairs, quantized magnetic flux, and the role of Josephson junctions in SFQ switching. Learn how critically damped junctions generate single flux qua...

In this episode of the  NSF Discover Superconducting Podcast , we explore the intersection of  computing and sustainability  with insights from  Massoud Pedram of USC . As computing power grows, so does its  energy consumption and environmental impact —from  AI models  to  data centers . Pedram emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices across the  entire lifecycle of computing devices , f...

In this episode of the  NSF Discover Superconducting Podcast , we're talking about the work of Dr. William Oliver of MIT -- a quantum computing researcher -- who's exploring the fascinating world of  quantum technology . The discussion draws parallels between the  early days of classical computing  and the  infancy of quantum computing , highlighting the breakthroughs and challenges along the way....

In this episode of the  NSF Discover Superconducting Podcast , we explore insights from  Marylin Wolf's seminar  on the parallels between  classic CMOS logic  and the emerging field of  Josephson logic  for superconducting supercomputers. The discussion draws from the successes of the  VLSI era , where structured design methods and generators managed complex logic systems, and applies these strate...

In this episode of the  NSF Discover Superconducting Podcast , we explore the cutting-edge world of  quantum computing  with insights from Dr. Oleg A. Mukhanov of  SEEQC , a company revolutionizing the field with  superconducting flux quantum (SFQ) circuits . Unlike traditional analog methods, SFQ circuits offer a  digital approach to controlling qubits , making quantum computers more  scalable, e...

In this episode, we explore the  technology roadmap  for  superconductor electronics  and its connection to  quantum computing . We discuss the key challenges, including the need for  scalable, energy-efficient logic , improved  memory solutions , and advancements in  fabrication processes  to build higher-density circuits. We also dive into innovative approaches, such as  AC-powered logic ,  phas...

In this first episode, we introduce the  NSF Discover Expedition  and its mission to develop  superconducting computers that offer faster speeds and greater energy efficiency. We explore the five key areas of the project: designing a powerful supercomputer, tackling memory bottlenecks, advancing materials like  Josephson junctions , integrating components smoothly, and understanding the real-world...