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 Stachman: https://x.com/DStrachman

Michael Gibson: https://x.com/William_Blake?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

1517 Fund: https://t.co/Ltt0eiRJkz

Want to apply for Flux? https://t.co/O8b5C0f21s

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Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky

Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov

Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin

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Website: https://www.632nm.com/

In this episode of the 632nm podcast, our guest traces the evolution from the early days of Bose-Einstein condensation experiments to pioneering trapped ion quantum gateways. He reveals how breakthroughs in laser cooling and atomic clock research unexpectedly paved the way for the first quantum logic gates, beating out the BEC community at a pivotal conference. We also hear about the surprising roles of entanglement, error mitigation, and photonic interconnects in shaping modern quantum hardware.

The conversation shifts to the commercial world, where government funding, venture capital, and startup challenges collide. Our guest shares insider stories about forming one of the first pure-play quantum computing companies, securing multi-million-dollar investments, and navigating the highs and lows of going public. From laser noise and integrated photonics to the promise of game-changing heuristic algorithms, this episode offers a rare look at both the science and business driving trapped ion quantum computing.

Chapters:

01:48 Journey into Trapped Ions
03:57 Early Career and Research at NIST
08:13 The Path to Bose-Einstein Condensate
11:32 Applications and Implications of BEC
22:05 Measuring Ultra-Low Temperatures
27:46 Advancements in Atomic Clocks
35:09 Challenges in Atomic Clock Precision
43:39 Historical Development of Quantum Computing
50:30 Early Experiments and Advances in Ion Traps
01:02:59 Understanding Dipole-Dipole Shifts in Quantum Systems
01:04:18 Initializing Qubits in Quantum Computing
01:09:05 Challenges in Scaling Quantum Computers
01:13:14 Fidelity and Error Correction in Quantum Gates
01:17:51 Laser Noise and Quantum Computing Limitations
01:35:08 Commercializing Quantum Computing: The INQ Story
01:41:53 Bitcoin and Quantum Computing Threats
01:44:09 INQ's Journey and Going Public
01:46:39 Quantum Computing Applications and Challenges
01:55:44 Quantum Hardware and Interconnects
02:21:01 Speculative Future of Quantum Computing

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Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky

Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov

Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269

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Website: https://www.632nm.com

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 Challenges
08:54 The Role of Photoresist in Lithography
19:39 The Rise of X-ray Lithography
25:52 Global Competition and Geopolitics
28:45 Challenges and Future of Lithography
44:33 Introduction to Excimer Lasers
47:54 Applications of 193nm Lasers
49:41 Development of Reliable Laser Sources
58:38 Lens Aging and Material Challenges
01:01:10 Exploring Alternative Materials
01:07:41 Liquid Immersion Lithography
01:15:21 Engineering Complex Lithography Systems
01:23:43 Immersion Lithography Insights
01:24:33 Prototype to Foundry Adoption Timeline
01:25:41 Challenges in EUV Development
01:32:24 Personal Journey to Lincoln Lab
01:38:59 Exploring Advanced Lithography
01:57:26 Future of Moore's Law and Lithography
02:06:40 Advice for Young Scientists

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Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky

Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov

Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin

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.

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.

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:
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Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/

Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky

Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov

Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin

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Website: https://www.632nm.com

Join the 632nm team as we sit down with Harvard Professor Avi Loeb, in this fascinating exploration of astronomy, alien life, and the intersection of science and politics. From discussing the mysterious interstellar object that changed astronomy to explaining why Mars might not be the best destination for human colonization, Loeb challenges conventional wisdom with evidence-based insights. His unique perspective, shaped by his journey from growing up on a farm in Israeli to becoming a leading Harvard scientist, reminds us to think from first principles about the universe’s biggest questions.

The conversation illuminates the stories behind groundbreaking scientific discoveries, including the work of overlooked pioneers in astronomy, and seriously explores the potential existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Loeb shares his vision for the Galileo Project, discusses the search for alien artifacts on Earth, and explains why artificial intelligence might be crucial in solving the Fermi Paradox.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts
00:34 Avi Loeb's Journey and Achievements
01:15 Science vs. Politics
05:49 Early Life and Philosophical Influences
16:57 Astrophysics and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life
55:19 Breakthrough Initiatives: A Surreal Presentation
56:40 Stephen Hawking's Visit and Human Limitations
59:17 The Search for Intelligent Civilizations
01:02:09 The Future of Space Exploration
01:05:33 The Age of the Universe and Interstellar Objects
01:42:23 The Quest for Immortality: Leaving a Legacy
01:43:31 AI and Human Existence: A Philosophical Dive
01:45:57 Navigating Politics: A Scientist's Perspective
01:48:13 The Scientific Method: A Path to Truth
02:03:27 Galileo Project: Searching for Extraterrestrial Life
02:40:52 The Simplicity of Science
02:41:25 Exploring Oumuamua and the Galileo Project
02:45:24 The Quest for Interstellar Discoveries
02:48:35 The Origins of Life and the Universe
02:59:22 The Future of AI and Humanity

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Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYin

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WEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com

In this episode, the 632nm team sits down with Dan Aronovich (Data Science Decoded Podcast) to explore predictions about technology and society, starting with MIT pioneer Norbert Wiener's remarkably prescient warnings about AI from 1948. His concerns about artificial systems misinterpreting human instructions mirror modern discussions about AI alignment, while his skepticism of social sciences raises important questions about the limitations of studying human behavior.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn as it delves into demographic forecasts that paint a striking picture of humanity's future. The discussion reveals how declining global fertility rates could lead to religious groups becoming demographically dominant, while technological advances might create a world populated by extremely long-lived humans augmented by robotics.

01:16 Exploring Norbert Wiener's Cybernetics
01:35 Main Claims of Cybernetics
03:14 Cybernetics in Different Cultures
04:06 Historical Context and AI Precursors
05:30 Wiener Filter and Signal Processing
10:16 Philosophical Insights and Social Implications
22:48 Analog vs Digital and Future of AI
31:56 Debunking Doom Predictions
32:13 AI and Digital Control
32:59 AI and Physical World Challenges
35:13 Future Societal Structures
37:58 Global Fertility Trends
42:45 AI in Military and Arms Race
47:15 AI Creativity and Hallucinations
52:53 Psychedelics and AI

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
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Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
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Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYin

SUBSCRIBE:
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WEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com