How are quantum computers and the London Tube related? UPenn physicist and 2019 Breakthrough Prize laureate Dr. Gene Mele describes the theory behind topological insulators, a special class of materials that conduct electricity only on their surface and why they are revolutionizing the world around us. Mele outlines the mathematics of topology, the physics of insulators, and why our entire electronic world is about to get a lot, lot faster. Fresh off being named a winner of the 2019 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, Penn Professor Gene Mele will speak about his revolutionary work in condensed matter physics at TEDxPenn 2019. His work alongside Professor Charles Kane led to the theoretical discovery of topological insulators, materials with conductive surfaces and insulative interiors that could usher in a wave of new, super-efficient electronics and potentially even ultra-fast, incredibly powerful quantum computers-one of the greatest technological challenges of the century. His TED talk will cover the history of conductors and two different applications of his work going forward: things unfolding in the current moment and things he predicts will unfold with great optimism for the future. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx