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One hundred years of quantum wonders

Dr Intikhab Ulfat
Thursday, Jan 23, 2025

The year 1925 marks a pivotal moment in science, heralding the birth of quantum mechanics – a field that delves into the fundamental behaviour of matter and energy.

Werner Heisenberg’s introduction of matrix mechanics in July 1925, detailed in his seminal paper published in September, redefined how scientists understood atomic systems. Around the same time, Erwin Schrodinger developed wave mechanics, offering profound insights into the wave-like behaviour of particles.

Together, these groundbreaking contributions revolutionised classical physics, introducing concepts like superposition – the ability of particles to exist in multiple states simultaneously – and entanglement, where particles remain interconnected across vast distances.

To celebrate its centennial, 2025 has been designated as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). This global initiative honours a century of quantum discoveries while raising public awareness of its transformative impact. Quantum mechanics, once a theoretical pursuit, now underpins technologies like GPS, medical imaging, semiconductors, and fibre-optic communication, shaping modern life.

The IYQ reflects international collaboration, spearheaded by Mexico, with Ghana formalising the proposal at the UN. Adopted in 2024, it is a testament to the enduring power of quantum science to challenge our understanding, inspire innovation, and redefine the future.

Quantum science extends far beyond theoretical physics and technological marvels, establishing itself as a crucial tool in tackling humanity’s most urgent challenges. Its applications seamlessly align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing groundbreaking solutions in healthcare, energy, and environmental conservation. Emerging innovations underscore the ongoing relevance of quantum mechanics. Quantum computing, utilising superposition and entanglement, holds the potential to revolutionise problem-solving in fields such as artificial intelligence, climate modelling, and drug discovery. Quantum sensors offer enhanced precision in navigation, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostics, while quantum communication ensures unparalleled security with fundamentally unbreakable encryption methods.

Among the many groundbreaking advancements enabled by quantum science, quantum photonics stands out as a transformative force in medical imaging and diagnostics. By leveraging the unique properties of light at the quantum level, this technology drives extraordinary progress in early disease detection, offering precision and sensitivity far beyond traditional methods. Techniques such as quantum-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and quantum-based optical coherence tomography enable the identification of abnormalities at earlier stages, significantly improving patient outcomes.

Diseases like cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions – leading causes of global mortality – can now be detected and treated more effectively, potentially saving millions of lives. Additionally, quantum photonics is advancing non-invasive imaging techniques, reducing patient risks while maximising diagnostic accuracy, making it a cornerstone of the future of healthcare.

Similarly, quantum chemistry applies the principles of quantum mechanics to model molecular structures and chemical reactions with unprecedented accuracy. This capability is revolutionising fields such as pharmacology and medicine by accelerating the development of vaccines and therapeutic drugs. Traditional drug discovery is a time-intensive and costly process, often relying on extensive trial and error.

Quantum computers, however, can simulate molecular interactions at the atomic level, enabling the rapid identification of promising compounds and the prediction of their efficacy. This approach holds immense potential for addressing global health crises, such as pandemics, by expediting the development of vaccines and treatments tailored to emerging pathogens. Quantum chemistry also plays a pivotal role in advancing personalised medicine, enabling treatments to be customised to an individual’s unique genetic profile. This personalisation optimises therapeutic efficacy while minimising side effects. Through these innovations, quantum chemistry is poised to transform healthcare, delivering more effective, efficient, and tailored solutions.

The urgency of developing sustainable energy solutions has never been greater, and quantum engineering offers innovative approaches to improving energy efficiency. Quantum technologies have significantly advanced the design and performance of solar cells, making renewable energy more accessible and efficient. For instance, quantum dots – nanostructures with unique optical and electronic properties – are being integrated into solar panels to enhance energy absorption and conversion rates. These advancements reduce dependency on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing directly to climate change mitigation.

In addition, quantum-engineered LED technologies are revolutionising lighting systems by offering higher energy efficiency and longer lifespans. This reduces energy consumption and minimises environmental waste, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Quantum sensors, which exploit phenomena like superposition and entanglement, are setting new benchmarks for precision in environmental monitoring. These sensors can detect minute changes in physical, chemical, or biological parameters, providing critical insights into climate systems. For example, quantum gravimeters can measure gravitational changes to map underground water reserves, monitor glacier melt, and assess soil erosion. Such data is invaluable for managing natural resources and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Quantum-enhanced spectroscopy is being used to monitor air and water quality, ensuring pollutants are detected and addressed promptly. By delivering accurate and timely information, quantum sensors empower policymakers and environmental scientists to make informed decisions, improving resilience against natural disasters and preserving ecosystems.

Quantum processors harness the principles of quantum mechanics to simulate complex systems with a level of accuracy unattainable by classical computers. This capability is particularly significant in climate science, where intricate models of atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial systems are crucial for predicting environmental changes. These processors can analyse vast datasets to uncover patterns and forecast climate trends, contributing to strategies for combating global warming. For example, they can optimise renewable energy grids, model carbon capture processes, and simulate the effects of various mitigation efforts.

Quantum algorithms are also being applied to develop disaster management systems capable of predicting the occurrence and impact of natural events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts. This improves preparedness and helps minimise loss of life and property, especially in vulnerable regions.

Quantum innovations provide groundbreaking solutions to some of humanity’s most urgent challenges, addressing critical areas such as healthcare, energy, and environmental conservation. These technologies advance scientific understanding while fostering a more sustainable and equitable world. As quantum science continues to evolve, its integration into global development strategies will become vital for building a future that prioritises health, sustainability, and resilience, ultimately improving the quality of life for generations to come.

The International Year of Quantum Science (IYQ) transcends the celebration of past achievements; it is a call to action for future innovation and discovery. Through various initiatives, it seeks to make quantum science accessible to all, inspiring students, educators, and policymakers while cultivating the next generation of quantum scientists. This celebration also underscores the potential of quantum science to address global challenges, from clean energy and secure communications to advancements in healthcare, promising to reshape industries and improve lives worldwide.

As humanity stands at the threshold of the next quantum revolution, it is important to reflect on the journey that has led us here. Quantum mechanics has solved profound mysteries, such as the stability of atoms, the origins of light, and the behaviour of subatomic particles while unveiling the universe’s inherent complexity and beauty. Yet, many questions remain unanswered, including the integration of quantum theory with gravity, the nature of dark matter, and the mechanics of quantum measurement – all of which continue to fuel research.

The IYQ serves as a testament to the transformative power of curiosity and ingenuity. It highlights how the pursuit of knowledge transcends immediate utility, enriching our understanding of the universe. By embracing quantum mechanics, humanity has unlocked technologies once thought unimaginable and stands on the brink of even greater breakthroughs.

As we celebrate a century of quantum discoveries, we honour the scientists who dared to challenge the status quo, envisioning a future where quantum science continues to illuminate the path forward. The IYQ is not merely a tribute to the past but a bold declaration of the limitless potential of human exploration and innovation.

The writer is a professor of physics at the University

of Karachi.