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{{Short description|Modern era of applied quantum technologies}}
{{Quantum book backlink|Timeline}}

The '''quantum technology era''' refers to the modern phase of [[Physics:Quantum mechanics|quantum mechanics]] in which quantum phenomena are no longer only studied theoretically or experimentally, but are actively engineered and exploited in real-world technologies. Emerging prominently in the early 21st century and accelerating after 2020, this era is characterized by the development of [[Physics:Quantum Computing Algorithms in the NISQ Era|quantum computing]], [[Physics:Quantum communication|quantum communication]], [[Physics:Quantum cryptography|quantum cryptography]], and [[Physics:Quantum Measurement theory|quantum sensing]] systems.

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[[File:Quantum_technology_platform_yellow.jpg|400px]]
<div style="font-size:90%;">Integrated quantum technologies: quantum processors, communication networks, and sensing devices form the foundation of the modern quantum technology era.</div>
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== Overview ==
The quantum technology era builds upon earlier developments in [[Physics:Quantum Computing Algorithms in the NISQ Era|quantum computing]] and represents the transition from understanding quantum systems to controlling and engineering them. Unlike classical technologies, quantum technologies exploit uniquely quantum phenomena such as [[Physics:Quantum Superposition principle|quantum superposition]], [[Physics:Quantum entanglement|quantum entanglement]], and [[Physics:Quantum Decoherence|quantum coherence]].

This transition is sometimes described as the shift from the ''first quantum revolution''—which introduced concepts such as wavefunctions and quantization—to a second phase focused on the manipulation of individual quantum systems for technological purposes.

== Quantum computing ==
'''Quantum computing''' is one of the central pillars of this era. Quantum computers use [[Physics:Quantum Qubit|qubits]], which can exist in superpositions of states, enabling certain computations to be performed more efficiently than on classical computers.

Major advances have been made by industrial and academic efforts, including the development of processors with tens to hundreds of qubits. However, challenges such as [[Physics:Quantum Decoherence|quantum decoherence]], error rates, and scalability remain significant obstacles to building large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Schlosshauer |first=Maximilian |date=2019-10-25 |title=Quantum decoherence |journal=Physics Reports |volume=831 |pages=1–57 |doi=10.1016/j.physrep.2019.10.001}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=de Leon |first1=Nathalie P. |last2=Itoh |first2=Kohei M. |last3=Kim |first3=Dohun |date=2021 |title=Materials challenges and opportunities for quantum computing hardware |journal=Science |volume=372 |issue=6539 |doi=10.1126/science.abb2823}}</ref>

== Quantum communication and cryptography ==
'''Quantum communication''' exploits entanglement and quantum states to transmit information securely. One of its most important applications is [[Physics:Quantum cryptography|quantum cryptography]], particularly quantum key distribution (QKD), which enables secure communication based on the principles of quantum mechanics.

Protocols rely on fundamental concepts such as the [[Physics:Quantum information theory#No-cloning theorem|no-cloning theorem]] and [[Physics:Quantum Measurement collapse|wave function collapse]], ensuring that any attempt at eavesdropping can be detected.

== Quantum sensing ==
'''Quantum sensing''' uses quantum systems to achieve extremely high precision measurements. Applications include atomic clocks, gravitational wave detection, magnetic field sensing, and navigation systems.

These technologies exploit [[Physics:Quantum Decoherence|quantum coherence]] and interference to surpass classical limits of measurement accuracy.

== Engineering challenges ==
Despite rapid progress, the realization of scalable quantum technologies faces major challenges:

* Maintaining coherence in noisy environments
* Developing suitable materials and hardware
* Error correction and fault tolerance
* Scaling systems to large numbers of qubits

These challenges require interdisciplinary approaches combining physics, engineering, and computer science.

== Impact and future directions ==
The quantum technology era is expected to have profound impacts on computation, communication, and measurement. Potential applications include:

* Breaking or replacing classical cryptographic systems
* Solving complex optimization and simulation problems
* Enabling ultra-secure communication networks
* Advancing fundamental physics through precise experiments

As technologies mature, the field continues to evolve toward practical, large-scale quantum systems.

=See also=
{{#invoke:PhysicsQC|tocHeadingAndList|Physics:Quantum basics/See also}}

== References ==
{{reflist|3}}

{{Author|Harold Foppele}}

{{Sourceattribution|Physics:Quantum mechanics/Timeline/Quantum technology era|1}}

Physics:Quantum mechanics/Timeline/Quantum technology era - Revision history

imported>WikiHarold at 00:07, 11 May 2026

imported>WikiHarold at 00:07, 11 May 2026