Quantum physics may be found in a variety of fields today, from current chemistry to solid state physics, signal processing to medical imaging technologies.
When we get into a car (and rely on on-board electronics), turn on our computer (which consists of integrated circuits, i.e., electronics based on quantum phenomena), listen to music (CDs are read by lasers, a pure quantum phenomenon), have our bodies scanned with X-rays or MRIs,3 allow ourselves to be guided by GPS, or communicate via cell phone, we trust its laws.
According to different estimates, between one-quarter and half of the gross national product of industrialized countries today is based on inventions based on quantum theory, either directly or indirectly. In the future years, this percentage will skyrocket.
A second generation of quantum technologies has emerged in the last 25 years, following in the footsteps of nuclear technology, medical applications, lasers, semiconductor technology, and modern physical chemistry, all of which were developed between 1940 and 1990.
This generation is likely to shape our lives even more dramatically than the first.
This has also been recognized by the People's Republic of China, which has long been viewed as a developing country in terms of scientific research but has been rapidly catching up in recent years. It has designated new quantum technologies as a key topic of scientific study in its 13th Five-Year Plan.
In the meantime, Europe has seen the signs of the times and has begun investing heavily in quantum technology.
The first quantum revolution began to take shape more than a century ago. We are currently witnessing the start of the second quantum revolution.
You may also want to read more about Quantum Computing here.
