The two quantum revolutions: from concepts to applications

The first quantum revolution, based on wave-particle duality, started in the early 1900's. It dramatically modified our vision of the microscopic world. It permitted the invention of technologies that have dramatically changed the society. The second quantum revolution is based on a yet stranger concept, entanglement. We do not know yet if it will impact the society as much as the first quantum revolution.

5 Questions:

Why do you speak of two quantum revolutions? Isn’t it the same theory ?
What was the bottom line of the debate between Einstein and Bohr?
Why did you receive a Nobel prize for a debate that started 90 years ago? Wasn’t it already settled?
Are they really useful applications of quantum physics?
What is a quantum computer?

The speaker: Alain Aspect

Alain Aspect is Professor at Institut d’Optique of Université Paris-Saclay. He was awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics "for experiments with entangled photons, establishing the violation of Bell inequalities and pioneering quantum information science".