Quantum Mechanics 2.0: from weird to wired

Klaus Mølmer
Aarhus U., Denmark

                                                                                                                                                                          

Nearly a century ago, quantum mechanics revolutionized physics and provided the theoretical basis and insights    
that underlie modern technologies such as lasers, integrated circuits, catalysts, nuclear power, and medical      
imaging. Quantum theory also came with a range of challenging paradoxes and strange phenomena that, until this    
day, divide physicist in fractions that hold very different beliefs about the physical interpretation of the      
theory and the true nature of the quantum world. We are currently witnessing a "second quantum revolution", in    
which the most paradoxical quantum effects are being explored for their potential applications. In the seminar,   
I shall review the ideas behind quantum cryptography, quantum computing and quantum metrology; I shall give       
examples of the experimental implementations and the progress achieved so far, and I shall discuss how new        
applications have led to new research questions and to new connections between different branches of physics.