Are We Computing Quantum in the Wrong Base? with Ivan Deutsch
April 27, 2026
What if today’s quantum computers are built on a quiet assumption that might be holding the entire field back? In the latest episode of The New Quantum Era podcast, renowned quantum theorist Ivan Deutsch—whose ideas underpin much of today’s neutral‑atom industry—raises a provocative question: by restricting ourselves to simple two‑level qubits, are we ignoring richer, more powerful ways atoms naturally compute? It’s a challenge to one of quantum computing’s deepest consensuses, coming from a scientist uniquely positioned to question it.
Across a wide‑ranging conversation, Deutsch explores the promise of qudits—multi‑level quantum systems that use more of an atom’s internal structure—and how they could fundamentally change error correction, scalability, and fault‑tolerant architectures. Along the way, he connects ideas from bosonic “cat” qubits, reframes error “leakage” as a potential resource, and reflects candidly on what the NISQ era really delivered versus what it promised. The episode blends deep technical insight with intellectual humility, offering a rare look at how foundational theory evolves when consensus may have formed too early.
The discussion also tells a larger story: how a regional ecosystem spanning UNM, Sandia, and Los Alamos helped shape global quantum research—and what it takes to build such an ecosystem from the ground up. Whether you’re following the commercial neutral‑atom race, thinking beyond surface codes, or simply curious how breakthroughs actually emerge, this episode invites you to rethink what “progress” in quantum computing really means. It’s a conversation designed not just to inform, but to unsettle—in the best possible way.
Listen to the podcast and check out the show notes and transcript at NewQuantumEra.com.
