From Quantum Mechanics to Quantum Technologies

S. Nakajima, Yoshimasa Murayama, Akira Tonomura

Thijs M. K. Latten, Martin Sand, Pieter E. Vermaas

Abstract Although quantum reality is often discussed as notoriously difficult to comprehend, quantum mechanics is applied with increasing success in the development of quantum technologies. In this paper, we collect and organise views on the influence of quantum technology on quantum mechanics and the foundations of quantum mechanics. We distinguish three types of influence: quantum technology helps in (1) understanding , (2) developing , and (3) evaluating quantum mechanics and its foundations. We outline several illustrations of these types by introducing examples. By mapping the influence of research and engineering practices in quantum technology on quantum mechanics and its foundations, this paper illuminates the interaction between the two areas. This paper suggests both how technological practices can aid in long-standing theoretical debates on understanding quantum mechanics, and how investigating the relation between quantum technology and quantum mechanics can inform understanding in the philosophy of science on the interaction between science and technology in general.

Simon Diner

S. Rajasekar, R. Velusamy

In contrast to conventional technology understandable by classical mechanics, quantum technology relies on the principles of quantum physics. What is the need for quantum technology? There are mainly two good reasons for developing quantum engineering: 1. In the last fifty years or so, the size of the components of a computer has halved every eighteen months, providing the technological boom for modern society. As the computer components are decreasing in size, they approach atomic dimensions more closely. Then quantum mechanics imposes a fundamental limit, beyond which development of traditional technology is not feasible. To accomplish this, we specifically need new and novel devices utilizing the laws of quantum mechanics.

Dan E. Browne, Sougato Bose, Florian Mintert +1 more

Huansheng Ning

Quantum mechanics is an advanced and fundamental physical theory that describes the interactions of energy and matter. The development of device fabrication and experimental control has witnessed how quantum mechanics will be used to establish a new technology. This is referred to as emerging quantum technology, which may be defined as the engineering of physical devices and systems that work on quantum principles [1]. Compared to conventional technologies governed by classical mechanics, there are two main imperatives driving the development of quantum technology [2]. The first is that the design of physical devices should be based on quantum principles when the devices are at length scales of nanometers and action scales and approaching Planck’s constant. The second is that quantum principles appearing to offer the promise of excellent performance can hardly be obtained within a classical physical framework.