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Bringing quantum technologies to reality

PTB-Kolloquium

Quantum mechanics is at the basis of all present-day information and communication technologies: to name just two examples, transistors and lasers would be impossible to build without understanding the quantum behaviour of matter and light.
But the control of individual quantum systems has long been considered only a “thought experiment”, something only possible in theory. However, today this is routinely achieved in labs around the world, and it is the basis of quantum technologies.
After reviewing the main applications of quantum technologies, ranging from secure communications to ultra-high precision sensing and metrology, and from extremely powerful computers to the simulation of complex materials, I will present the common vision underlying the recently proposed Quantum Manifesto, which will be a basis for the upcoming Flagship initiative on Quantum Technologies.
I will conclude by outlining the upcoming steps to turn the vision of quantum technologies into reality at European level.