#77 Paul Lopata on Quantum

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association.

During this episode, Dr. Paul Lopata of the Laboratory for Physical Sciences in College Park Maryland discusses the origins of quantum mechanics including philosophical underpinnings and a recap of the famous double-slit experiment which prompted physicists to start thinking about light as having both wave and particle properties. Paul connects quantum theory and cognitive security using words and concepts like trust, probabilistic reasoning, and making decisions with limited information, and in the presence of risk. He also describes advances in quantum computing and cryptography, prime numbers, Shor’s algorithm, and NP-hard problems. 

Resources:

• Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned
  • #74 Tabassi on NIST, Technology Standards, and Trust
• Laboratory for Physical Sciences
• YouTube videos:
  • Quantum explainer
  • The Quantum Experiment that Broke Reality
  • Shor’s algorithm
  • For information regarding Reviving and Modernizing Automated Celestial Navigation, search for: "USAF-19-PEO-BM-6.G"
• DHS guidance on mitigation to new cryptographic standards
• RAND report for preparing for new cryptographic standards
• NIST website on their new standards competition
• National Quantum Coordination Office
• NSA Cybersecurity Directorate Publications
• NSA Cybersecurity Quantum
• IEEE Spectrum: PROTECTING GPS FROM SPOOFERS IS CRITICAL TO THE FUTURE OF NAVIGATION
• Where Time Comes From: The time that ends up on your smartphone—and that synchronizes GPS, military operations, financial transactions, and internet communications—originates in a set of atomic clocks on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory. Dr. Demetrios Matsakis, Chief Scientist for USNO's Time Services, gives a tour.
• The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard
• Lincoln in the Telegraph Office: Recollections of the United States Military Telegraph Corps During the Civil War by David Homer Bates

Link to full show notes and resources

https://information-professionals.org/episode/cognitive-crucible-episode-77

Guest Bio: Dr. Paul Lopata is a quantum research scientist at the Laboratory for Physical Sciences in College Park Maryland. Previously, Paul served as the Principal Director for Quantum Science in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering where he focused on quantum technology modernization. He was also Executive Secretary for the Defense Science Board’s Task Force on Applications of Quantum Technologies.

About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain.

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