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    The Day Tomorrow Began: Quantum Technology

    The Day Tomorrow Began

    Quantum Technology

    In the early 20th century, UChicago scientists advanced our understanding of quantum mechanics—the laws that govern the smallest particles. Nearly 100 years later, scholars are working to harness those laws for groundbreaking technologies—from ‘unhackable’ communication networks to powerful new computers.
    Video thumbnail for the video
    Building upon the pioneering experiments at the University nearly a century ago, scientists at UChicago, Argonne and Fermilab are at the forefront of quantum science and technology—placing Chicago at the global epicenter of quantum research.
    Video by UChicago Creative

    Quantum technology has the potential to change everything from medicine to communications to business. The field taps the bizarre laws of quantum mechanics in order to create technology and devices with new abilities—like sensors that could detect earthquakes before they strike, communication networks that are virtually unhackable, or computers that could point the way to new pharmaceutical drugs or solar panels.

    But at the turn of the century, we only had the faintest inklings of the atomic world. Throughout the 20th century, physicists around the world—including such eminent University of Chicago scientists as Arthur Compton, Robert Millikan, and Enrico Fermi—defined the field of quantum mechanics. These are the laws that govern the smallest of particles, and they are strange compared to our everyday world: particles can go through walls, exist in two places at once, and change their state when observed.

    But no one knew how to harness these laws of nature.

    Then, in 2011, the University took the bold step of establishing the first school of molecular engineering in the nation. It was instrumental in defining the field of quantum engineering.  Today, the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering brings together experts from academia, industry, and the U.S. national laboratories, to accelerate the pace of discoveries and bring them quickly to the market.

    “The pace of discovery right now is extraordinary,” said David Awschalom, the Liew Family Professor in Molecular Engineering and Physics at the University of Chicago, director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, and director of Q-NEXT, a Department of Energy National Quantum Information Science Research Center at Argonne National Laboratory. “Every day we push the boundaries of what is currently possible. We expect this to be a paradigm shift in science—one that will have transformational benefits for technology, the economy and society.”

    Big Brains podcast

    Big Brains podcast: The beginning of our quantum future

    Profs. David Awschalom and Supratik Guha discuss UChicago’s rich history of scientific discovery in quantum research—and the potential of this exciting new technology.

    Listen to the episode here

    Quantum technology

    The quantum internet, explained

    Experts say we will soon need a quantum internet that can send, compute, and receive information encoded in quantum states. But what will this network look like, and how soon will it be here?

    Read the explainer here

    Top Research

    Quantum flute

    UChicago scientists invent ‘quantum flute’ that can make particles of light move together

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    Chicago expands and activates quantum network, taking steps toward a secure quantum internet

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    Two UChicago scientists awarded 2022 Early Career Awards from Department of Energy

    Illustration of a new quit platform, showing a red block of solid neon

    New qubit platform could transform quantum information science and technology

    David Awschalom reflected in mirrors set up in his lab at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering

    Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering celebrates first class of quantum Ph.D. graduates

    Explore more topics in the series

    Learn about the monumental breakthroughs at the University of Chicago and the people behind them.

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    — Black holes

    — The Day Tomorrow Began website

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