Taking Physics from the Laboratory to the Real World

Quantum physics enables the best measurement devices on the planet. Laboratory atomic clocks are accurate to a second in 50 billion years; atomic inertial sensors can measure gravity variations of a part in a billion. However, laboratory devices are large, fragile, and require a small army of grad students and postdocs. Developing quantum technology for the real world goes beyond engineering. Devices must be redesigned from the ground up, requiring the ingenuity and creativity of grad school, but with a narrower focus.

 

I’ll discuss my experience co-founding and running Vector Atomic, a quantum technology start-up. Building a deep tech company is challenging but rewarding. While a physics PhD doesn’t provide the formal business training, many of the skills acquired are translatable: problem solving, commitment, teamwork, and courage – justified or not.