Scales of Knowledge: From “Action at a Distance” to Black Holes and Quantum Information

Modern physics and its leading theories – Einstein's theory of relativity and quantum mechanics – have been remarkably successful in describing our physical world at scales ranging from the sub-atomic to the cosmic. Recent research suggests that the entanglement of quantum states – a term coined by Schrodinger to describe "spooky action at a distance" between quantum particles – may provide the key to two of our century’s greatest unsolved problems: quantum gravity and quantum information. In this session, panelists will discuss the fascinating interplay between quantum theory and general relativity, ranging from black holes to teleportation and quantum computing, and explore how these phenomena may be used to serve the needs of our globally interconnected, information-based society.