Commentary on the quantum year 2025: less hype, more understanding
Quantum physics will be 100 years old in 2025. In order to appreciate progress in quantum physics, we must not get caught up in the hype, says Sabrina Patsch.
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Hooray, quantum physics is 100 years old! To celebrate, the United Nations has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. It has been 100 years since Werner Heisenberg coined the term quantum mechanics and laid its mathematical foundations. Today, tech giants and research institutions from all over the world are trying to develop a powerful quantum computer that is supposed to solve all of humanity's problems. No one can predict when and if this will actually happen. As a quantum physicist, I am optimistic that quantum technology will indeed achieve a great deal one day. However, it is highly unlikely that 2025 will herald this major breakthrough.
But that doesn't matter, because instead of more sensations, breakthroughs and groundbreaking experiments, quantum research currently needs something completely different: a good dose of realism. Uncontrolled hype does not help anyone, especially not research that cannot live up to these unrealistic expectations. Great research results are then no longer met with recognition, but with disillusionment, even disappointment.
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One reason for this hype is that hardly anyone who does not work in the field really understands quantum theory. Even worse, it is overshadowed by the words of Richard Feynman: "If you think you understand quantum mechanics, you don't understand quantum mechanics." Many people use this quote as a free pass to give up. But Feynman didn't mean it to be so all-encompassing. Although we cannot explain why quantum objects behave the way they do, researchers have a very good understanding of the rules that govern the quantum world.
Not everyone needs to understand these rules to the core. However, everyone has the opportunity to take a look into the quantum world with books, blogs, videos, lectures and even experiments to do at home – and the Quantum Year is the perfect opportunity to do so. Those with a better understanding of quantum physics are less likely to be blinded by exaggerated promises and at the same time can marvel at the fascinating world that lies dormant.
(spa)
