PCTS Public Lecture Tuesday, April 14, 2026 5:00 PM, McDonnell Hall, Room A-02 Speaker: Professor Peter Zoller Title: When Atoms Compute Subtitle: Quantum computing, simulation, and sensing with atoms, ions, and light Abstract: Quantum mechanics governs nature at its smallest scales—but today we can engineer that quantum world by creating and controlling entanglement, the unique fingerprint of quantum physics. Using laser-controlled atoms and ions, researchers can build programmable quantum devices that compute beyond classical limits, emulate complex quantum matter, and approach fundamental quantum limits. This talk gives a non-technical overview of leading platforms, from trapped-ion processors to quantum simulators based on ultracold atoms. We illustrate the ideas with snapshots from current research: string-breaking dynamics inspired by high-energy physics, using simulators to guide materials design, methods to validate what quantum devices are doing when classical calculation is no longer feasible, and an outlook toward programmable quantum sensors. There is no registration requirement for the public lecture.