Quantum Diamond Sensing: The Surprising Power of NV Centers
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. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most versatile quantum tools around.00:42 The Fascination with Diamonds and NV Centers02:58 Early Research and Collaborations10:21 Breakthroughs and Applications in Science50:48 Advancements in Magnetic Imaging51:59 Commercial Applications of Quantum Diamond Microscopes01:02:16 Challenges in Translating Research to Products01:11:11 Future Prospects and Innovations01:36:46 Exploring Quantum Systems and Defects01:39:03 The Harvard Quantum Community01:44:53 Precision Measurement and Quantum Applications01:54:28 Advice for Aspiring Scientists*Follow us:*Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin*Subscribe:*Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.com
6 Juni 2h 21min
Origin of Life, Thermodynamics, and God: Jeremy England
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 ScientistsMore About Jeremy:Twitter: Jeremy England (@lifelikephysics) / XBook: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Life-Fire-Thermodynamics-Explains/dp/1541699017Follow us:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.com
19 Maj 2h 19min
Flux Grant by 1517 Fund: Backing Garage Science and Sci-Fi Tech
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/DStrachmanMichael Gibson: https://x.com/William_Blake1517 Fund: https://t.co/Ltt0eiRJkzWant to apply for Flux? https://t.co/O8b5C0f21sFollow us:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.com/
10 Maj 47min
Maintaining Moore's Law: Lithography, Semiconductors, and Chip Fabrication with Mordechai Rothschild
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 Challenges08:54 The Role of Photoresist in Lithography19:39 The Rise of X-ray Lithography25:52 Global Competition and Geopolitics28:45 Challenges and Future of Lithography44:33 Introduction to Excimer Lasers47:54 Applications of 193nm Lasers49:41 Development of Reliable Laser Sources58:38 Lens Aging and Material Challenges01:01:10 Exploring Alternative Materials01:07:41 Liquid Immersion Lithography01:15:21 Engineering Complex Lithography Systems01:23:43 Immersion Lithography Insights01:24:33 Prototype to Foundry Adoption Timeline01:25:41 Challenges in EUV Development01:32:24 Personal Journey to Lincoln Lab01:38:59 Exploring Advanced Lithography01:57:26 Future of Moore's Law and Lithography02:06:40 Advice for Young ScientistsSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyRSSFollow us:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
14 Apr 2h 7min
Quantum Cascade Lasers: Federico Capasso on Curiosity and Bell Labs
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.
1 Apr 1h 32min
How Edison Inspired Eli Yablonovitch to Create Four World-Changing Inventions
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.
14 Mars 3h
From Failed PhD to Nobel Prize | John Mather’s Journey to Revolutionize Astronomy
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:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.com
25 Feb 1h 53min
