Quantum computing is advancing rapidly, raising significant questions for cryptography and blockchain. In this episode, Scott Aaronson, quantum computing expert, and Justin Drake, cryptography researcher at the Ethereum Foundation, join us to explore the impact of quantum advancements on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the future of crypto security. Are your coins safe? How soon do we need post-quantum cryptography? Tune in as we navigate this complex, fascinating frontier.
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------ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro 6:50 Google Willow Chip 11:58 How is Quantum Computing Accelerating? 19:27 Quantum vs Classical Computers 40:18 Why are Quantum Computers so weird? 46:18 Quantum Computing & Cryptography 52:53 What will Break Cryptography 54:45 Time Horizons 1:03:14 Accounts Getting Hacked 1:13:23 The Bitcoin Case 1:24:10 Quantum Money 1:29:44 The Ethereum Case 1:35:00 Closing Thoughts 1:36:24 Debrief with Justin Drake
------ RESOURCES
Scott Aaronson https://www.scottaaronson.com/
Justin Drake https://x.com/drakefjustin
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This episode is sponsored by Crusoe. Crusoe Cloud is a scalable, clean, high-performance cloud, optimized for AI and HPC workloads, and powered by wasted, stranded or clean energy. Crusoe offers virtualized compute and storage solutions for a range of applications - including generative AI, computational biology, and rendering.
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On episode #143 of Eye on AI, Craig Smith sits down with Scott Aaronson, Schlumberger Centennial Chair of Computer Science at The University of Texas and director of its Quantum Information Center.
In this episode, we cut through the quantum computing hype and explore its profound implications for AI. We reveal the practicality of quantum computing, examining how companies are leveraging it to solve intricate problems, like vehicle routing, using D-Wave systems. Scott and I delve into the distinctions between quantum annealing and Grover-type speedups, shedding light on the potential of hybrid solutions that blend classical and quantum elements.
Shifting gears, we delve into the synergy between quantum computing and AI safety. Scott shares insights from his work at OpenAI, particularly a project aimed at fine-tuning language models like GPT for detecting AI-generated text, highlighting the implications of such advanced AI technology's potential misuse.
If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Spotify and a review on Apple Podcasts.
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Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI
(00:00) Preview and Introduction
(04:13) Demystifying Quantum Computing
(16:04) Leveraging Quantum Computers for Optimization
(31:01) What is Quantum Computing?
(42:40) Advancements and Challenges in Quantum Computing
(54:57) Machine Learning and AI Safety
Scott Aaronson is a Professor of Computer Science at The University of Texas at Austin, and director of its Quantum Information Center.
He's the author of one of the most interesting blogs on the internet: https://www.scottaaronson.com/blog/ and the book “Quantum Computing since Democritus”.
He was also my professor for a class on quantum computing.
Watch on YouTube. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast platform.
Episode website here.
Follow me on Twitter to get updates on future episodes and guests.
Timestamps
(0:00) - Intro
(0:33) - Journey through high school and college
(12:37) - Early work
(19:15) - Why quantum computing took so long
(33:30) - Contributions from outside academia
(38:18) - Busy beaver function
(53:50) - New quantum algorithms
(1:03:30) - Clusters
(1:06:23) - Complexity and economics
(1:13:26) - Creativity
(1:24:07) - Advice to young people
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EPISODE LINKS:
Scott’s Blog: https://www.scottaaronson.com/blog/
Our previous episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX5t8EivCaM
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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
00:00 – Introduction
07:46 – Simulation
12:38 – Theories of everything
18:18 – Consciousness
40:32 – Roger Penrose on consciousness
50:44 – Turing test
54:31 – GPT-3
1:03:02 – Universality of computation
1:09:33 – Complexity
1:15:38 – P vs NP
1:27:57 – Complexity of quantum computation
1:40:03 – Pandemic
1:53:49 – Love
Scott Aaronson is a professor at UT Austin, director of its Quantum Information Center, and previously a professor at MIT. His research interests center around the capabilities and limits of quantum computers and computational complexity theory more generally.
This conversation is part of the Artificial Intelligence podcast. If you would like to get more information about this podcast go to https://lexfridman.com/ai or connect with @lexfridman on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, or YouTube where you can watch the video versions of these conversations. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate it 5 stars on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify, or support it on Patreon.
This episode is presented by Cash App. Download it (App Store, Google Play), use code “LexPodcast”.
This episode is also supported by the Techmeme Ride Home podcast. Get it on Apple Podcasts, on its website, or find it by searching “Ride Home” in your podcast app.
Here’s the outline of the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
00:00 – Introduction
05:07 – Role of philosophy in science
29:27 – What is a quantum computer?
41:12 – Quantum decoherence (noise in quantum information)
49:22 – Quantum computer engineering challenges
51:00 – Moore’s Law
56:33 – Quantum supremacy
1:12:18 – Using quantum computers to break cryptography
1:17:11 – Practical application of quantum computers
1:22:18 – Quantum machine learning, questionable claims, and cautious optimism
1:30:53 – Meaning of life
