Abstract Taking advantage of quantum effects has enabled the so‐called first quantum revolution in the 20th century for technologies such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and the development of transistors, LEDs, solar panels, and lasers.
Abstract When quantum theories were first formulated a century ago, who would have guessed how much technological developments originating from quantum physics shape the way we live and interact today. Whether we work on a computer, use our mobile phones, or get a diagnosis based on magnetic resonance imaging: The understanding of quantum mechanics is the basis for all these technologies. In photonics, the laser and light‐emitting diodes are prime examples, with a current market of more than 12 billion US dollars for lasers alone. Now there are new quantum technologies on the horizon, promising a second quantum revolution.
2025 is the year UNESCO selected to celebrate 100 years of this novel science, quantum mechanics, based on Heisenberg’s “uncertainty principle” discovery. However, quantum mechanics began with the discovery of quantum packets of energy emission formulated by the German physicist Max Planck, and it incorporated additional discoveries and principles from Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Heisenberg, Pauli, de Broglie, and many others in the early 1900s. Since then, many advancements and breakthroughs have been made. Such scientific contributions have influenced the culture and technology of humanity from the 20th century onwards, with the first quantum revolutions bringing innovations in technology and engineering, including the omnipresent light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (Laser), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), microprocessor manufacturing and design for computers and nuclear energy. Thus, at the beginning of the Second Quantum Revolution in the 21st century, amid a new wave of novel quantum technologies promising to create the 5th Industrial Revolution and transform humanity, a brief history of these marvellous sciences is condensed, connecting the wonders of the new quantum technogenesis that is being forged, linking its past with classical mechanics and also with novel relativistic mechanics. Understanding these developments highlights the significance of quantum technologies shaping our future and what lies ahead for us. This article explores technologies that are presently under research and development (R&D) in the quantum physics realm, including quantum computing, quantum cryptography, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum simulation. It also discusses emerging careers in the quantum field and the unresolved mysteries that continue to challenge scientists. The discussion follows the ancient griot tradition of storytelling, a method that the distinguished physicist, great professor, and Nobel laureate Richard Feynman encouraged us to use to explain complex scientific ideas.