It's 1994, and a mathematical algorithm puts a spotlight on quantum computing for the first time. Defence departments, spy agencies and cybersecurity experts are on edge over the explosive Shor's algorithm. They spend decades and billions of dollars searching for a solution before something called "Q-day" arrives. Got feedback? Email us sciencefriction@abc.net.au Guests: Dr Henry EverittSenior technologist for optical sciences, US Army Emeritus Professor Charles ClarkPhysicist, formerly National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Dr Sushmita RujAssociate professor, University of New South Wales' Institute for Cybersecurity Special thanks to Nick Adams for reading Peter Shor's limerick. Presenter: Jacinta BowlerProducer: Fiona PepperSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveSound Engineer: Tim JenkinsArchives Research: Lisa Chidlow, Michael OsmondAdditional audio courtesy of CSIRO Publishing Rss Apple Podcaster →