Dr. Chris Ballance, a Future Leaders Fellow at Oxford University Physics, is a leading figure in quantum computing. He co-founded Oxford Ionics with Dr. Tom Harty, aiming to commercialize their novel technique using trapped ions for quantum computing. Their technology allows for the creation of large scale chips while maintaining control over individual atoms in a quantum state. The quantum states are so well controlled that they can last for minutes before collapsing, compared to other technologies that only last for microseconds or milliseconds. This makes them more useful for solving problems. The company is set to grow significantly by the end of the year.
The Journey of Dr. Chris Ballance: From Quantum Computing Researcher to Entrepreneur
Dr. Chris Ballance, a Future Leaders Fellow at Oxford University Physics, has been a significant figure in the field of quantum computing, from its conceptual stages to its current state of high-performance systems. His fascination with engineering and discovery began at a young age, and this curiosity led him to the field of quantum computing during his undergraduate studies. He found the novelty and potential impact of the field incredibly exciting.
After earning his PhD from Oxford in 2014, Dr. Ballance has been instrumental in developing new techniques and technologies to manipulate qubits, the fundamental building blocks of quantum computers. His research has set new world records, including the highest performance quantum logic gates, the longest qubit memory coherence time, and the fastest and highest performance quantum network.
The Birth of Oxford Ionics: Commercializing Quantum Computing
In 2019, Dr. Ballance co-founded Oxford Ionics with his long-time colleague, Dr. Tom Harty. The company was born out of their decade-long work at the forefront of quantum computing at Oxford University Physics. Oxford Ionics aims to commercialize the technology developed by Dr. Ballance, which uses trapped ions to overcome the fundamental challenge of quantum computing: maintaining quantum states.
The technology developed by Dr. Ballance and his team allows for the creation of large-scale chips while trapping and controlling individual atoms in a perfectly quantum way. The quantum states are so well controlled that they have a coherence time of minutes before they collapse, compared to other technologies that only achieve micro or milliseconds. This extended coherence time is crucial for the quantum states to be useful in solving problems.
Building a Quantum Computing Company: The Challenges and Triumphs
Transitioning from a researcher to an entrepreneur has been a massive learning experience for Dr. Ballance. He admits that building reliable and robust building blocks for a company is a significant shift from creating experimental prototypes. However, the mission of Oxford Ionics to build the world’s best quantum computers has attracted a team of experts from around the world.
The company, which currently has around 50 individuals, is set to grow to more than 80 by the end of the year. The team includes scientific experts, chip builders, software engineers, and professionals in business, finance, and marketing. Dr. Ballance believes that the best perk of working in this space is the inspirational people around you.
The Future of Quantum Computing: Uncharted Territory
The potential applications of quantum computing are vast and largely unexplored. While there are known applications, such as materials discovery, drug development, aerodynamic modeling, and financial portfolio optimization, Dr. Ballance believes that the most valuable applications are yet to be discovered.
The UK has been a pioneer in the field of quantum computing, setting up a national quantum strategy as early as 2014. This strategy has set an example for the EU and the US. Dr. Ballance is optimistic about the future of quantum computing in the UK, provided the investment in the field continues with conviction.
The Impact of Blue-Sky Research: From Theory to Industry
Dr. Ballance’s journey in quantum computing highlights the importance of early-stage funding and long-term investment in blue-sky research. What may seem like outlandish theories can eventually translate into groundbreaking experimental science and, ultimately, into fully-fledged companies and industries.
Dr. Ballance finds it immensely gratifying to see the work he has believed in for the last 15 years reach an inflection point and begin to make a tangible difference. He believes that quantum computing, which was once a scientific curiosity, will soon become an everyday piece of the computing landscape.
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