The Second Quantum Revolution: From Entanglement to Quantum Computing and Other Super-Technologies

C. Granata

Tadeusz Pabjan

The history of quantum mechanics is divided into two periods which are labeled as the first and the second quantum revolutions. During the first of these periods mathematical formalism of quantum theory was formulated and interpreted, during the second – new quantum technologies were developed. It turns out that conceptual revolution of the first period enabled technological revolution of the second. In this article it is argued, that Irish physicist, John S. Bell, played an important role in the process of triggering the second quantum revolution. His work on quantum entanglement of the EPR particles made possible elaborating some new methods and theoretical approaches clarifying the quantum description of single objects. These methods and approaches became the core of new scientific domains which are hybrids of quantum mechanics and some classical sciences. The quantum cryptography and the quantum computation are examples of such domains and in the paper special attention is paid to them. It is showed that theoretical analyses of John S. Bell provide a conceptual background for these disciplines and this is why it’s not improper to call this physicist – as Alain Aspect did – a prophet of the second quantum revolution.

Takele Somano, Mahmud Seid, Lakachew Chanie

This review explores the Second Quantum Revolution, which builds on the foundations of the first to advance quantum science and technology significantly. We examine the diverse fields under this revolution, including quantum information technologies, quantum electromechanical systems, coherent quantum electronics, quantum optics, and coherent matter technologies. Assess the societal and ethical implications of the second quantum revolution and provide insights into its potential impact on various sectors, including healthcare, finance, communication, and technology, the knowledge dissemination and awareness of the second quantum revolution. The review emphasizes the transformative potential of these advancements for the economy, computing, and communication networks. Additionally, we address the critical challenges that must be overcome, such as the development of fault-tolerant quantum systems and the seamless integration of quantum and classical technologies. Ethical considerations related to privacy, security, and societal impacts are also discussed, highlighting the need for a thoughtful reevaluation of quantum technology's role in modern society. Ultimately, this review outlines the immense opportunities presented by the Second Quantum Revolution while providing insights into the multifaceted challenges it faces, setting the stage for future research and innovation in this groundbreaking field.

F. J. Duarte

Zhenghan Wang

Although the current information revolution is still unfolding, the next industrial revolution is already rearing its head. A second quantum revolution based on quantum technology will power this new industrial revolution with quantum computers as its engines. The development of quantum computing will turn quantum theory into quantum technology, hence release the power of quantum phenomena, and exponentially accelerate the progress of science and technology. Building a large-scale quantum computing is at the juncture of science and engineering. Even if large-scale quantum computers become reality, they cannot make the conventional computers obsolete soon. Building a large-scale quantum computer is a daunting complex engineering problem to integrate ultra-low temperature with room temperature and micro-world with macro-world. We have built hundreds of physical qubits already but are still working on logical and topological qubits. Since physical qubits cannot tolerate errors, they cannot be used to perform long precise calculations to solve practically useful problems yet.

F.J. Duarte