Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Prof. David Cory was among 19 Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERCs) to explain and discuss their research at a special summit as part of the world's largest scientific gathering.
Cory spoke about quantum devices during a rare gathering of all 19 Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERCs) — the world-leading scientists recruited to Canada two years ago as part of a $190 million federal program.
The summit was held on the eve of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting — the world's largest scientific gathering.
"These chairholders are very eager to talk to Canadians about the work they do, and very eager to meet and collaborate with each other," said Michelle Boutin, executive director of the secretariat that oversees the CERC program.
Cory was the first of 19 CERC chairholders to deliver five-minute "pecha kucha" lectures, intended to be fast-paced and accessible primers on complex topics.
"If we can make devices that operate by the laws of quantum mechanics, we can reach the highest precision and efficiencies possible by the laws of nature," Cory told the audience.
He explained how researchers are looking to natural processes and characteristics — the quantum processes of photosynthesis, for example, and the structure of diamonds — to inspire and inform research into quantum devices.
"Nature's lab surrounds us," Cory said, "and nature's lab is bigger than mine."
He explained how quantum devices will provide unprecedented precision and control in applications ranging from oil exploration to the detection of landmines.
The CERC Summit was the first of many talks and symposia to feature IQC researchers at the AAAS Annual Meeting.
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