 To make a quantum computer that can really tackle real-world problems we need other hardware. One of the things we need is a quantum memory that can store a lot of information at the same time. The problem is that we just fundamentally don't have the materials at the moment that can reach the sort of data storage densities we need. So my work is to study new materials, try to find out how we're going to get there. What I do is I use crystals containing rareth ions to store quantum information that starts off as pulses of light and a lot of my work is understanding how the atoms in those crystals interact with the light so I can choose the right materials to make better quantum memories. ANU has a real expertise in quantum sciences. Quantum computers could solve problems that are just completely impossible on our classical current computers. So one day we're going to be able to build quantum computers and quantum networks and these are going to open a lot of possibilities. Things like enhancing artificial intelligence or searching for new drugs. Quantum networks allow us secure communications and eventually a quantum internet.