The scientific stories behind this year's research that made people LAUGH, then THINK.
Watch the 2025 Ig Nobel Ceremony here: https://youtu.be/z1cP4xKd_L4
In this episode, we bring together three of this year’s Ig Nobel winners whose research spans psychology, food science and human biology. You’ll hear how a team of psychologists devised a counter-intuitive way to boost a narcissist’s self-confidence; how two physicists uncovered the “mozzarella phase” of pecorino cheese while perfecting cacio e pepe; and how a group studying lactation discovered that garlic changes breast-milk’s aroma and baby behavior.
We explore the playful setups, surprising results and serious science behind each project, and how curiosity, humor and a dash of persistence turned ordinary questions into prize-winning research.
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
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Website: https://www.632nm.com
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:19 - Physics Prize: Cacio e Pepe Sauce
30:40 - Pediatrics Prize: Garlic Breast Milk
44:48 - Psychology Prize: How to Boost Narcissism
#ignobel2025 #cacioepepe #pastasauce #thermodynamics #psychology #dairy #pecorino
Science has stalled. And Adam Marblestone thinks he knows why.
Check out the Research Gap Map here: https://www.gap-map.org/?sort=rank
In this episode, we sit down with Adam Marblestone, neuroscientist, nanotechnologist, and founder of Convergent Research, to explore how new “Focused Research Organizations” (FROs) could reignite scientific progress. From DNA “ticker-tape” neural recording to optical connectomics and Neuralink, Marblestone explains how emerging neurotechnologies reveal both the brilliance and the bottlenecks of today’s research system.
We discuss why traditional funding often fails to support ambitious, interdisciplinary projects, how FROs borrow the focus and speed of startups to build scientific infrastructure, and why projects like OpenAI, E11 Bio, and ultrasound-on-a-chip exemplify this new model. Marblestone breaks down his “Gap Map” of unsolved scientific challenges - from room-temperature superconductors to artificial ribosomes - and does the math on how tens of billions of dollars could close them.
Whether you’re fascinated by neuroscience, scientific innovation, or the future of research itself, this conversation offers a rare insider’s look at how new institutions could rebuild the engine of discovery—and why the next wave of breakthroughs might depend more on organization than on ideas.
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR
Website: https://www.632nm.com
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:25 - Working with George Church
13:03 - Neuralink
22:23 - Gap Maps
31:47 - Artificial Ribosome
36:45 - What is Convergent Research?
40:03 - What are FROs?
44:16 - What Made OpenAI So Successful?
48:19 - Has AI Actually Impacted Science?
52:15 - Notable FROs
1:05:43 - Why Haven't There Been More Scientific Breakthroughs?
1:09:47 - Lithography and Chip Design
1:13:41 - We Can't Beat Insects
1:16:45 - What Separates Good FROs
1:18:40 - East vs West Coast Innovation
1:27:21 - Research into Longevity
1:33:27 - Advice for Grad Students
1:39:40 - How to Get Involved in FROs
#neuroscience #molecularbiology #quantumphysics #researchfunding #startups
Times have changed. And cesium clocks can't keep up.
In this episode, we sit down with Jun Ye, Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA) Fellow and pioneer of optical lattice clocks, whose work has pushed timekeeping far beyond traditional cesium atomic clocks. Ye explains how combining ultra-stable lasers, frequency combs, and ultra-cold atoms produces clocks more than 100× more precise than today’s standards: so sensitive they can detect gravitational time dilation across the width of a human hair.
We explore how this next generation of atomic clocks may open windows onto gravitational waves, test Einstein’s relativity in new regimes, and even help build a GPS for space travel. Ye also shares his personal journey from growing up during China’s Cultural Revolution to becoming a leader in precision measurement, and what that experience taught him about resilience, mentorship, and protecting scientific inquiry.
Whether you’re curious about time, relativity, quantum physics, GPS technology, or the frontiers of precision measurement, this conversation offers a rare insider’s look at how breakthroughs in timekeeping can lead to entirely new physics.
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Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR
Website: https://www.632nm.com
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:17 - Why Haven't Optical Clocks Replaced Cesium Clocks?
10:45 - Fundamentals of Optical Atomic Clocks
17:34 - History of Atomic Clocks
30:18 - What is JILA?
35:01 - What brought Jun to JILA?
39:33 - What does it take to get a PhD in Physics?
42:40 - Jun Ye's PhD work
44:36 - Limitations of Laser Stabilization
50:38 - How Do We Make the Most Stable Lasers?
57:28 - How to Measure Laser Coherence Times
1:04:24 - Building Atomic Clocks from First Principles
1:08:59 - Jun's Notable Accomplishments
1:14:00 - Magic Frequencies for Optical Traps
1:21:04 - Can AI Improve Atomic Clocks?
1:24:00 - How Does Quantum Entanglement Affect Clocks?
1:30:29 - Development of Quantum Computers
1:34:23 - Pros and Cons of Nuclear Clocks
1:43:49 - What Would Jun Do With Unlimited Research Funding?
1:47:09 - Lessons from China's Cultural Revolution
#quantumcomputing #quantumphysics #atomicclock #laser #physics #optics #astrophysics #astronomy #spacetime
How did cooling atoms with lasers revolutionize our understanding of time?
In this episode, we speak with Bill Phillips, Nobel Laureate in Physics, about his groundbreaking work on laser cooling and trapping of atoms: research that not only won him the Nobel Prize but also transformed modern timekeeping and technology. Phillips explains why breaking the Doppler cooling limit changed physics forever and what it means that today’s clocks can measure time differences caused by moving a device just a few millimeters in Earth’s gravity.
We discuss the history of timekeeping from sundials to atomic clocks, how Einstein’s relativity reshaped our view of time, and the serendipitous discovery of sub-Doppler cooling that opened the door to ultra-precise measurement, quantum computing, and fundamental tests of nature. Along the way, Phillips reflects on the culture of physics, the importance of mentorship, and the joy of discovery.
Whether you’re curious about time, relativity, quantum physics, GPS technology, or the frontiers of precision measurement, this conversation offers rare insight into how science, collaboration, and curiosity converge to shape the modern world.
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Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR
Website: [https://www.632nm.com](https://www.632nm.com/)
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:43 - What is Time?
05:49 - How Did Bill Get Into Atom Cooling?
18:30 - How Do Atomic Clocks Actually Work?
31:08 - History of Atomic Clocks
37:18 - Laser Cooling for Atomic Clocks
40:49 - How To Synchronize Atomic Clocks
43:20 - How Cesium Cooling Was Developed
45:48 - Pushing Beyond the Doppler Limit
49:47 - The Beginning of Thor Labs
52:45 - The Previous Limits were Wrong
1:05:37 - How Bill Broke the Doppler Limit
1:12:22 - What is Optical Pumping?
1:20:27 - Can Atom Trapping Be Leveraged For Cold Fusion?
1:31:32 - What Makes Bill So Lucky?
1:35:25 - How Bill's Work Led to Atomic Clocks
1:41:05 - What Makes Cesium So Good For Atomic Clocks?
1:47:38 - Quantum Effects on Atomic Clocks
1:59:02 - Bose-Einstein Condensates
2:09:05 - Did Bill's Work Lead To Quantum Computing?
2:11:26 - Bill's Thoughts on the Future
#billphillips #nobelprize #laser #atomicclock #dopplereffect #quantumcomputing #quantumphysics #gps #physics #boseeinsteincondensate #theoreticalphysics #relativity
What does it take to turn a banned psychedelic into an FDA-approved medicine?
Visit MAPS to read about the latest progress is psychedelic research: https://maps.org/
In this episode, we speak with Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), about the decades-long mission to make MDMA-assisted therapy a legal treatment for PTSD and other mental health conditions. Rick received his PhD from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government in public policy focusing on the regulation of medical use of psychedelics in 2001. Rick shares the science behind MDMA’s therapeutic effects, the strategy for winning over regulators, and the battles over claims of neurotoxicity. We discuss the history of psychedelic research, the rise of the underground therapy movement, and how clinical trials, policy change, and cultural perception must align to move psychedelics from stigma to science.
Whether you’re curious about psychedelic science, drug policy reform, FDA clinical trials, or the future of mental health treatment, this conversation delivers expert insight into the intersection of research, regulation, and real-world impact.
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Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR
Website: [https://www.632nm.com](https://www.632nm.com/)
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:32 - How Would Rick Describe a Psychedelic Experience?
05:02 - What is Rick's Favorite Psychedelic?
09:46 - The Underground is Ahead of the Research
12:45 - How Rick Got Interested in Psychedelics
26:39 - Can Psychedelics Stop War?
40:45 - Do People Need Trauma?
45:09 - Is America a Falling Empire?
52:08 - What if MAPS was in the YC?
55:00 - Why was MDMA the Choice to Push for Legality?
1:02:22 - The Origins of Modern Psychedelic Therapy
1:05:20 - Misinformation Around Psychedelics
1:17:12 - How MAPS is Developing Psychedelic Therapies
1:30:13 - How Should Healthy People Use Psychedelics?
1:38:05 - Psychedelic Experiences as Rites of Passage
1:42:02 - Finding Life's Purpose
1:52:49 - Why Do Fears of Psychedelics Persist?
1:56:44 - What Does It Take for Psychedelics to Get FDA Approved?
2:13:55 - Rick's Pet Wolf
2:23:39 - Rick's Last Interaction with his Wolf
2:30:55 - Psychedelic Group Therapy
2:33:37 - We Need More Psychedelic Therapists
Life’s First Blueprint Wasn’t DNA; it was RNA.
Read Jacob Fine’s latest publication here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022283625001901
Today we spoke with Jacob Fine, graduate student researcher in Computational Biology from the University of Toronto. We explore the physics of replication, the role of entropy and information theory, and how modern biology is reconnecting with theory to understand the most fundamental question in science. Our conversation takes place in a Russian sauna, where the hot and humid environment mimics some of the conditions needed for life to begin.
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Subscribe:
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR
Website: https://www.632nm.com
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:22 - What does any theory of the origin of life need to explain?
04:09 - When did people begin researching the origin of life?
06:51 - Competing theories of the origin of life
11:00 - The RNA world hypothesis
21:38 - Biological vs computational error
24:58 - Origin of life is the origin of information
33:30 - Without error, there would be no life
36:07 - Early compartmentalization mechanisms
47:26 - What do we need to prove theories on the origin of life?
57:23 - What makes a useful model for biology?
1:04:44 - What inspired Jacob to investigate the origin of life?
1:09:45 - Jacob's favorite theories for the origin of life
1:11:58 - Do we need a Manhattan project to discover the origin of life?
1:18:49 - What are the next steps for origins of life research?
1:24:06 - Has exposure to religion shaped Jacob’s perspective on science?
One of Keith Johnson’s final interviews: a brilliant mind on dark matter, water, and fusion.
Read about Keith’s legacy here: https://news.mit.edu/2025/keith-johnson-materials-scientist-independent-filmmaker-dies-0723
This episode is one of the final recorded conversations with MIT physicist Keith Johnson, who passed away just weeks after our interview. In this conversation, he unpacks his early research on the quantum structure of matter, his cold fusion theories, and how it all led to a screenplay about a young female physicist. Johnson also suggests a radical idea: water clusters in space might explain some aspects of dark matter. A one-of-a-kind interview that blends science, art, and speculation.
We’re honored to share this glimpse into Keith’s remarkable intellect, creativity, and curiosity. May his legacy continue to inspire.
Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists:
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR
Website: https://www.632nm.com
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:03- Early Life and Education
03:27 - Graduate Studies and Research Funding
05:44 - Postdoctoral Work and Quantum Chemistry
09:45 - Starting at MIT and Collaborations
15:05 - Cold Fusion and Film Making
23:38 - Keith's First Screenplay
28:55 - Filming a Movie at MIT
43:50 - Water Clusters and Quantum Energy
53:54 - Is Cold Fusion Possible?
1:07:13 - Challenges in Fusion Energy
1:12:09 - Advice for Young Scientists
APPENDIX:
1:15:42 - Water Might Be Connected to Dark Matter
1:24:49 - Cosmic Dust and Supernovae
1:28:36 - The Role of Water in the Universe
1:38:32 - The Future of Dark Matter Research
1:51:27 - Water Might Have Been Created Sooner After the Big Bang
#KeithJohnson #MIT #ScienceAndStorytelling #QuantumPhysics #DarkMatter #Astrobiology #BreakingSymmetry
Did the Big Bang really happen? Telescopes, dark matter & cosmic origins explored.
Join cosmologist Brian Keating as we explore the mysteries of the universe, from building telescopes at the South Pole to measuring the polarization of the cosmic microwave background and chasing signs of gravitational waves. We discuss Galileo’s influence, cosmic inflation, and how the Nobel Prize could be changed to better reflect the way we do science.
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Website: https://www.632nm.com
In this episode of the 632nm podcast, Scott Aaronson shares his early fascination with calculus at age 11 and how “rediscovering” old mathematics led him toward groundbreaking work in complexity theory. He gives a lucid explanation of P vs NP, revealing how seemingly trivial questions about verifying solutions speak to some of the deepest unsolved problems in all of computing.
Aaronson also explores the frontiers of quantum computing, from the nuances of quantum supremacy experiments to the idea of quantum money and certified randomness. He explains how amplitudes—rather than straightforward probabilities—unlock powerful interference effects, yet still face limits imposed by measurement. The conversation concludes with a look at the future of fault-tolerant quantum computers and the possibility that we’ve finally reached the ultimate horizon of computability—unless nature has even stranger surprises in store.
02:01 Early Fascination with Mathematics
05:10 Exploring Complexity Theory
09:10 Understanding P vs NP
22:38 The Significance of P vs NP in Cryptography and AI
35:04 Mapping Problems and NP Completeness
38:37 Quantum Computing and BQP
41:41 Shor's Algorithm and Cryptography
45:39 Simulating Quantum Systems
52:04 Digital vs Analog Quantum Computers
58:18 Grover's Algorithm and Quantum Speedup
01:02:04 Challenges in Quantum Algorithm Development
01:06:41 Beam Splitter Networks and Quantum Sampling
01:15:22 Quantum Computing and Information Storage
01:17:24 Shor's Algorithm and Factoring Numbers
01:20:56 Google's Quantum Supremacy Demonstration
01:49:19 Quantum Money and Unclonable Cash
01:57:15 The Future of Quantum Computing
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Website: https://www.632nm.com
In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we explore cutting-edge ideas in epigenetics and academic publishing. Oded Rechavi reveals how C. elegans worms defy conventional genetics by passing on traits through small RNAs, and discusses how these mechanisms might reshape our understanding of heredity. We also hear about a remarkable experiment hijacking Toxoplasma gondii—the so-called “cat parasite”—to deliver proteins into the brain, opening possible routes for new therapies.
Beyond the lab, we explore problems with modern publishing, from glacial review timelines to flawed incentives that push quantity over quality. Learn how AI-driven solutions might speed up peer review, allow scientists to focus on what truly matters, and help keep the spark of curiosity alive.
02:33 The Journey of Memeing on Twitter
06:50 Frustrations with Scientific Publishing
13:36 AI in Scientific Reviews
23:57 The Joys and Challenges of Academia
28:25 The Dead Sea Scrolls Project
45:15 Exploring Epigenetic Processes
47:16 Advantages of C. Elegans in Research
51:45 Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance
57:07 Challenges in Human Epigenetic Research
01:08:58 Model Organisms in Scientific Research
01:14:50 Innovative Brain Parasite Research
01:22:11 The State of Academic Science
01:29:19 Balancing Science and Life in Israel
01:32:00 Improving the Scientific System
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Website: https://www.632nm.com
In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we explore how diamond-based nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers went from being a curiosity in gemstone physics to a transformative tool for precision magnetometry. You’ll hear how these tiny defects enable room-temperature quantum sensing, providing ultra-high spatial resolution and remarkable resilience in extreme conditions—from planetary research unlocking secrets of our solar system’s earliest days to potential biomedical diagnostics. Our guest recounts the serendipitous connections, engineering challenges, and surprising scientific discoveries along the way.
We also discuss how interdisciplinary collaborations spark new ideas, how startups and academia differ in their pursuit of quantum breakthroughs, and why community-driven science can accelerate major scientific leaps.
00:42 The Fascination with Diamonds and NV Centers
02:58 Early Research and Collaborations
10:21 Breakthroughs and Applications in Science
50:48 Advancements in Magnetic Imaging
51:59 Commercial Applications of Quantum Diamond Microscopes
01:02:16 Challenges in Translating Research to Products
01:11:11 Future Prospects and Innovations
01:36:46 Exploring Quantum Systems and Defects
01:39:03 The Harvard Quantum Community
01:44:53 Precision Measurement and Quantum Applications
01:54:28 Advice for Aspiring Scientists
*Follow us:*
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Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
*Subscribe:*
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Website: https://www.632nm.com
In this episode, Jeremy England reframes the origin of life debate by applying non-equilibrium physics, challenging the notion that life’s emergence must be purely biological or chemical. He describes how matter can “learn” from its environment, drawing on examples from spin glasses, protein folding, and resonating mechanical systems.
England also shares how his deep engagement with religious texts—and his unexpected cameo as “the next Darwin” in popular media—shaped his understanding of science and spirituality. From his ordination as a rabbi to his groundbreaking thermodynamic research, England offers a unique perspective on the interplay between faith, scientific inquiry, and the age-old search for meaning.
Chapters:
02:59 Jeremy's Journey into Biophysics
08:46 Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics
35:30 Dissipative Adaptation and Evolutionary Principles
44:34 The Evolution of Energy Consumption
51:35 Thermodynamics in Microbiomes and Ecology
57:18 Protein Folding and Cellular Computation
01:01:43 Origins of Life and Prebiotic Scenarios
01:26:02 Exploring Thermodynamic Constraints on Aging
01:31:48 Science, Religion, and the Infinite Regress
01:36:04 Jewish Law and Modern Materials
01:39:47 Torah's Approach to Existence
02:01:56 Moses' Signs and Worldview
02:09:03 Balancing Practicality and Spirituality
02:14:02 Advice for Aspiring Scientists
More About Jeremy:
Twitter: Jeremy England (@lifelikephysics) / X
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Life-Fire-Thermodynamics-Explains/dp/1541699017
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Website: https://www.632nm.com
In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we sit down with 1517 Fund’s Danielle Strachman and Michael Gibson to explore their Flux program, a unique pre-seed fellowship backing wild, unorthodox scientific and technical ideas. They share how they’ve helped founders transform “garage science” projects—like nuclear batteries, quantum computing prototypes, and cutting-edge materials—into serious startups. Along the way, they discuss the pitfalls of chasing academic prestige, the power of genuine curiosity, and how to leverage minimal resources for big ambitions.
We also learn about the flexibility of Flux’s “cannon launch” grants, what it takes to persuade investors when your idea sounds like sci-fi, and why “hyper-fluency” and high agency are crucial for founders. Whether you’re a postdoc itching to leave the lab or a solo tinkerer with a radical concept, this conversation offers actionable insights on securing early funding and taking that bold plunge into world-changing tech.
Our Guests:
Danielle Strachman: https://x.com/DStrachman
Michael Gibson: https://x.com/William_Blake
1517 Fund: https://t.co/Ltt0eiRJkz
Want to apply for Flux? https://t.co/O8b5C0f21s
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Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov
Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
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Website: https://www.632nm.com/
In this episode of the 632nm podcast, our guest traces the evolution from the early days of Bose-Einstein condensation experiments to pioneering trapped ion quantum gateways. He reveals how breakthroughs in laser cooling and atomic clock research unexpectedly paved the way for the first quantum logic gates, beating out the BEC community at a pivotal conference. We also hear about the surprising roles of entanglement, error mitigation, and photonic interconnects in shaping modern quantum hardware.
The conversation shifts to the commercial world, where government funding, venture capital, and startup challenges collide. Our guest shares insider stories about forming one of the first pure-play quantum computing companies, securing multi-million-dollar investments, and navigating the highs and lows of going public. From laser noise and integrated photonics to the promise of game-changing heuristic algorithms, this episode offers a rare look at both the science and business driving trapped ion quantum computing.
Chapters:
01:48 Journey into Trapped Ions
03:57 Early Career and Research at NIST
08:13 The Path to Bose-Einstein Condensate
11:32 Applications and Implications of BEC
22:05 Measuring Ultra-Low Temperatures
27:46 Advancements in Atomic Clocks
35:09 Challenges in Atomic Clock Precision
43:39 Historical Development of Quantum Computing
50:30 Early Experiments and Advances in Ion Traps
01:02:59 Understanding Dipole-Dipole Shifts in Quantum Systems
01:04:18 Initializing Qubits in Quantum Computing
01:09:05 Challenges in Scaling Quantum Computers
01:13:14 Fidelity and Error Correction in Quantum Gates
01:17:51 Laser Noise and Quantum Computing Limitations
01:35:08 Commercializing Quantum Computing: The IonQ Story
01:41:53 Bitcoin and Quantum Computing Threats
01:44:09 IonQ's Journey and Going Public
01:46:39 Quantum Computing Applications and Challenges
01:55:44 Quantum Hardware and Interconnects
02:21:01 Speculative Future of Quantum Computing
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Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov
Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR
Website: https://www.632nm.com
In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we explore how 193nm lasers unexpectedly overtook x-ray approaches and reshaped semiconductor manufacturing. Physicist Mordechai Rothschild describes the breakthroughs that turned a once “impossible” technology into the mainstay of chip fabrication, including the discovery of specialized lenses, the invention of chemically amplified resists, and the game-changing flip to immersion lithography. We also hear candid insights on the race to push below 13.5 nanometers, where new ideas in plasma sources and advanced coatings might one day carry Moore’s Law even further.
Dr. Mordechai Rothschild is a leading physicist and technologist at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, serving as Principal Staff in the Advanced Technology Division. He has been instrumental in advancing micro- and nanoscale systems, with significant contributions to 193-nm photolithography—a technology critical to modern semiconductor manufacturing. His work has earned him the 2014 SPIE Frits Zernike Award and the 2015 Edwin H. Land Medal. With over 220 publications and 16 patents, Rothschild's research spans metamaterials, microfluidics, and nanofabrication. He holds a BS in physics from Bar-Ilan University and a PhD in optics from the University of Rochester.
01:22 Early Days and Technological Challenges
08:54 The Role of Photoresist in Lithography
19:39 The Rise of X-ray Lithography
25:52 Global Competition and Geopolitics
28:45 Challenges and Future of Lithography
44:33 Introduction to Excimer Lasers
47:54 Applications of 193nm Lasers
49:41 Development of Reliable Laser Sources
58:38 Lens Aging and Material Challenges
01:01:10 Exploring Alternative Materials
01:07:41 Liquid Immersion Lithography
01:15:21 Engineering Complex Lithography Systems
01:23:43 Immersion Lithography Insights
01:24:33 Prototype to Foundry Adoption Timeline
01:25:41 Challenges in EUV Development
01:32:24 Personal Journey to Lincoln Lab
01:38:59 Exploring Advanced Lithography
01:57:26 Future of Moore's Law and Lithography
02:06:40 Advice for Young Scientists
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Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov
Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
In this episode, physicist Federico Capasso recounts his winding path from struggling undergrad to pioneering inventor of the quantum cascade laser. He reveals how openness, daring ideas, and the bottom-up ethos at Bell Labs led to breakthroughs that redefined semiconductor research.
Capasso also discusses the blurred lines between basic and applied science, the importance of nurturing curiosity, and the serendipitous moments that propelled his career. From avalanche photodiodes to metasurfaces to quantum biology, he offers a fascinating look at how big discoveries often begin with a simple spark of wonder.
Eli Yablonovitch shares how Thomas Edison's approach of requiring "a thousand failed discoveries for every one that works" shaped his scientific philosophy. From solar cells to semiconductor lasers to photonic crystals to cell phone antennas, Yablonovitch reveals how each invention evolved from identifying fundamental physics concepts that others overlooked. He explains how his light-trapping concept now used in every solar panel stemmed from thinking about statistical mechanics. His strained semiconductor laser design, which initially faced industry resistance, eventually became the standard in all laser pointers and DVDs. Throughout his career spanning Bell Labs, Exxon, and academia, Yablonovitch demonstrates that true innovation comes from understanding basic physics principles and having the courage to pursue ideas others dismiss as impossible.
Join the 632nm team as we sit down with Nobel laureate Dr. John Mather. From his childhood days of building radios and telescopes to leading NASA's groundbreaking COBE mission, learn how a spectacular failure during his PhD research unexpectedly paved the way for his Nobel Prize-winning work. And hear the story of how NASA took a chance on a 28-year-old scientist who would change our understanding of the universe.
Dr. Mather shares insights into the engineering marvels behind modern space telescopes, including the James Webb Telescope's ingenious cooling system and the concept behind hybrid ground-space observatories. Hear details about near-mission failures, midnight revelations that saved COBE, and the surprising connection between space telescopes and stealth fighter technology.
Follow us:
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Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov
Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR
Website: https://www.632nm.com
Join the 632nm team as we sit down with Harvard Professor Avi Loeb, in this fascinating exploration of astronomy, alien life, and the intersection of science and politics. From discussing the mysterious interstellar object that changed astronomy to explaining why Mars might not be the best destination for human colonization, Loeb challenges conventional wisdom with evidence-based insights. His unique perspective, shaped by his journey from growing up on a farm in Israeli to becoming a leading Harvard scientist, reminds us to think from first principles about the universe’s biggest questions.
The conversation illuminates the stories behind groundbreaking scientific discoveries, including the work of overlooked pioneers in astronomy, and seriously explores the potential existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Loeb shares his vision for the Galileo Project, discusses the search for alien artifacts on Earth, and explains why artificial intelligence might be crucial in solving the Fermi Paradox.
00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts
00:34 Avi Loeb's Journey and Achievements
01:15 Science vs. Politics
05:49 Early Life and Philosophical Influences
16:57 Astrophysics and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life
55:19 Breakthrough Initiatives: A Surreal Presentation
56:40 Stephen Hawking's Visit and Human Limitations
59:17 The Search for Intelligent Civilizations
01:02:09 The Future of Space Exploration
01:05:33 The Age of the Universe and Interstellar Objects
01:42:23 The Quest for Immortality: Leaving a Legacy
01:43:31 AI and Human Existence: A Philosophical Dive
01:45:57 Navigating Politics: A Scientist's Perspective
01:48:13 The Scientific Method: A Path to Truth
02:03:27 Galileo Project: Searching for Extraterrestrial Life
02:40:52 The Simplicity of Science
02:41:25 Exploring Oumuamua and the Galileo Project
02:45:24 The Quest for Interstellar Discoveries
02:48:35 The Origins of Life and the Universe
02:59:22 The Future of AI and Humanity
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Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYin
SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
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WEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com
In this episode, the 632nm team sits down with Dan Aronovich (Data Science Decoded Podcast) to explore predictions about technology and society, starting with MIT pioneer Norbert Wiener's remarkably prescient warnings about AI from 1948. His concerns about artificial systems misinterpreting human instructions mirror modern discussions about AI alignment, while his skepticism of social sciences raises important questions about the limitations of studying human behavior.
The conversation takes an unexpected turn as it delves into demographic forecasts that paint a striking picture of humanity's future. The discussion reveals how declining global fertility rates could lead to religious groups becoming demographically dominant, while technological advances might create a world populated by extremely long-lived humans augmented by robotics.
01:16 Exploring Norbert Wiener's Cybernetics
01:35 Main Claims of Cybernetics
03:14 Cybernetics in Different Cultures
04:06 Historical Context and AI Precursors
05:30 Wiener Filter and Signal Processing
10:16 Philosophical Insights and Social Implications
22:48 Analog vs Digital and Future of AI
31:56 Debunking Doom Predictions
32:13 AI and Digital Control
32:59 AI and Physical World Challenges
35:13 Future Societal Structures
37:58 Global Fertility Trends
42:45 AI in Military and Arms Race
47:15 AI Creativity and Hallucinations
52:53 Psychedelics and AI
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcast
Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/
Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
Misha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginov
Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYin
SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR
WEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com
