Inside Science: ORCA Computing's Photonic Quantum Computer, Helium Shortages, and Antibiotic Resistance

Overview

In London, Inside Science visits ORCA Computing to explore how their photonic quantum computer works and what “quantum advantage” means for near-term AI and machine learning applications. The episode also investigates the critical helium supply powering cryogenic systems for quantum devices, and includes a segment on the global antibiotic resistance crisis, examining how bacteria acquire resistance and what it takes to develop new antibiotics. The program blends interviews, explanations, and context on government funding and industry progress.

What’s in store

From modular photonic hardware to the real-world deployment of quantum accelerators, to helium shortages and resistance surveillance, the show weaves together how advanced computing and biology intersect with policy and industry dynamics.

Introduction and Setting

This Inside Science episode travels to Paddington Station and into the world of ORCA Computing, a startup building photonic quantum computers. Richard Murray, chief executive and co-founder, explains that ORCA’s approach uses light to carry quantum information, aiming to plug these systems into existing machine learning workflows as accelerators. The interview frames the company’s scale, with 11 machines deployed across the US, UK, Europe, and a unit en route to Japan, highlighting the practical, real-world trajectory of quantum technologies rather than distant, laboratory-only promises.

How ORCA Computing Works

Murray describes the core architecture as modular and photonic. Photons serve as qubits, and the system’s processing relies on beam-splitter operations and precise photon indistinguishability. The top module generates perfectly identical single photons, which feed into the processor module that creates and manipulates qubits. As soon as a quantum state is measured, the information collapses to a classical signal, closing the quantum loop. Murray emphasizes that the technology leverages telecom-grade components, allowing the devices to be built without extreme cryogenics, a practical edge for deployment and integration with classical computing resources.

The discussion moves into application space, with ORCA focusing on integrating quantum devices with existing ML and generative AI algorithms. Murray notes that the machines act as accelerators to speed up computations, enabling discoveries such as novel molecules or insights into natural processes like photosynthesis, where quantum effects may play a role in natural efficiency and optimization.

Quantum Advantage and Real-World Use

The podcast unpackes the idea of quantum advantage — that quantum systems can outperform classical counterparts for certain tasks. Murray argues that ORCA’s customers are already using the technology in ways that surpass traditional computing on abstract problems; however, the practical, commercially important advantages are still being realized as researchers determine how best to apply the technology to real problems. The interview underscores that while notable capabilities exist, many problems remain nontrivial and the field is in a transition phase from theory to practical, industry-grade solutions.

Gareth Mitchell frames this transition with cautious optimism, acknowledging that the government’s funding signals societal commitment to the quantum leap, while avoiding overstated promises about immediate ubiquitous quantum supremacy.

Helium and Cryogenics

In a separate science segment, Dr. Rebecca Engle of University College London explains helium’s central role in cryogenics for quantum devices and other technologies requiring ultra-low temperatures. She details helium’s unique properties, like its high thermal conductivity at cryogenic temperatures and the 4.2 Kelvin boiling point, which enable effective cooling systems for complex instruments. The helium supply chain is framed as a strategic concern, tied to global energy and security considerations, since helium is a scarce, largely non-replaceable resource in many high-tech applications.

Engle emphasizes that helium storage is challenging, with options including pressurized gas or liquid storage that require specialized infrastructure. The interview highlights the fragility of helium supply, including geopolitical and logistical risks, and notes the broader implications for research infrastructure and industry relying on cryogenics.

Amply of Antibiotic Resistance

Roland Pease leads the final science segment on antimicrobial resistance. Kevin Alterson of Carbex discusses the hard reality that antibiotic resistance evolves rapidly, driven in part by horizontal gene transfer among bacteria that exchange resistance genes via plasmids. A striking finding from Oxford University’s resistance surveillance network shows resistance markers appearing in babies’ gut microbiota within the first days of life, underscoring how early exposure can complicate treatment of neonatal infections. Alterson cautions that many biotech ventures in antibiotic development fail along the journey to market, reflecting the systemic challenges and financial risks inherent to this field.

The episode closes with a quick look at other science news, including moon cultivation experiments showing potatoes could be grown in regolith with fertilizer, and a discussion of metabolic regulators in pythons that have inspired obesity drugs in humans, illustrating how cross-species insights can spark new avenues for health and space exploration.

Quotes

"We use photons, which are fundamental particles of light, to make up our quantum computers." - Richard Murray, CEO & Co-founder, ORCA Computing

"What we want to do is put these systems inside of existing machine learning algorithms. That's like really our focus." - Richard Murray, CEO & Co-founder, ORCA Computing

"Liquid helium has a boiling point of about 4.2 Kelvin" - Dr. Rebecca Engle, Associate Professor, UCL

"Behind each one of these companies that made it to approval are 30 or 50 that failed along the way because the science is hard." - Kevin Alterson, Director, Carbex

"Potatoes can be grown on the moon" - Gareth Mitchell, Technology Journalist