This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features an interview with Danna Freedman, who uses synthetic chemistry to create quantum bits (qubits). Based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Freedman explains how this bottom-up approach allows her team to create quantum technologies on a molecular scale.

Freedman explains why this approach could be used to create high-performance quantum sensors with a wide range of applications. These include biocompatible sensors that could someday be incorporated into medical devices. She also talks about another aspect of her research that focuses on materials under extremely high pressures – and chats about the connections between the quantum and high-pressure worlds.

Also in this podcast, Physics World’s Hamish Johnston looks at the discovery of a quasicrystal in “fossilized lightning” and how high-powered lasers can boost the performance of lightning rods and free-space optical communications.