In the podcast’s so far longest episode, Mira and Chris speak to Sebastian Hofferberth about his journey through academia as he literally went from Heidelberg to Harvard, to Stuttgart, then Denmark and finally to Bonn where he became member of ML4Q. We talk about the challenges of this nomadic lifestyle, which almost every longtime academic faces. Of course, Sebastian also explains his work in quantum optics with Rydberg atoms and shares his passion for teaching. He discusses how quantum mechanics (can be) seems non-intuitive at first but can be made more approachable.
Listen to the full podcast episode with Sebastian here or using your podcatcher. You can also download the transcript of the episode here.
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:00 Welcome Sebastian
00:03:20 Quantum optics between fundamental and applied research
00:06:22 What are Rydberg atoms?
00:10:25 Reflecting on the PhD project
00:14:11 Working as a postdoc with Mikhail Lukin
00:16:55 Balancing work and family
00:23:20 Moving to Denmark for full professorship and reflecting on dual-career challenges
00:38:42 Back to Germany for the last move
00:42:20 Discussing current research and the Rydberg blockade
00:53:48 Working in the new environment of Bonn and ML4Q
00:59:48 What about Rydberg atom quantum computing?
01:16:00 About EIN Quantum NRW and quantum education
While recording, Alex Jahn – who is not only a talented web designer and a great podcast editor but obviously a gifted illustrator – made this drawing of the recording session:
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