William Clark (Infleqtion, Inc.)

"Changing the World Atom by Atom"

Abstract: The basic unit of information in a quantum computer is the qubit, which can exist in a superposition of its two basis states. A two-dimensional vector mathematically represents the state of a single qubit, but each additional qubit doubles the dimension of the state space. Thus an n-qubit system is 2n-dimensional, enabling a system consisting of even a moderate number of qubits to store information and carry out computations well beyond the reach of a classical computer. Physically engineering high-quality multi-qubit systems capable of computations has, however, proven challenging because of the difficulty of isolating such systems sufficiently from their environments. Public and private investment in quantum computing has increased dramatically in recent years, leading to a proliferation of start-up companies. I will describe the array of real world products that Austin-based Infleqtion, Inc. is offering to supply research and development into practical quantum computers. These range from quantum software to hardware systems such as cold atom sources, magneto-optic trap kits, and atomic frequency references. I will also discuss career opportunities for PhD physicists in this emerging field. 

Dr. Clark earned his PhD in atomic, molecular, and optical physics from U. Colorado - Boulder in 1998. He is Vice-President of Quantum Development at Infleqtion, Inc., formerly known as ColdQuanta. Dr. Clark has over two decades of experience in the design, development, and transition of state-of-the-art communications and sensing systems for DoD and Intel customers. Before joining ColdQuanta/Infleqtion, he was Senior Fellow at General Dynamics (GD) Mission Systems, and Founder and Director of the GD Quantum Laboratory. At Infleqtion he is responsible for transitioning quantum technology from the laboratory to the field, via system and product development.