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How quantum technology is changing the world

4 episodes
  • 1
    Quantum physics has already changed the world
  • 2
    Quantum computing: 15 minutes to understand everything
  • 3
    Health, tech, space: quantum technology is already benefiting many sectors
  • 4
    Quantum, the indispensable ally of modern medicine
Épisode 1/4
On September 20th, 2023
4 min reading time
Pierre Henriquet
Pierre Henriquet
Doctor in Nuclear Physics and Columnist at Polytechnique Insights

Key takeaways

  • Quantum physics makes it possible to explain the behaviour and interactions between particles, as well as the forces that drive them.
  • The quantification of energy exchanges between electrons in matter has led to several fundamental innovations, without which our modern technology would not exist.
  • We use quantum physics in our everyday lives, for example with lasers, fibre optics and LEDs.
  • Quantum theory can also be used to explain natural phenomena such as the colour of the sky or even photosynthesis.
  • A second quantum revolution has been underway since the end of the 20th century, taking our technologies to a new level.
Épisode 2/4
On September 13th, 2023
5 min reading time
Loic Henriet
Loïc Henriet
CTO at Pasqal
Landry Bretheau
Landry Bretheau
Professor at Ecole Polytechnique, Quantum Physicist and Researcher in the Laboratory of Condensed Matter Physics (PMC*)

Key takeaways

  • Unlike conventional computers, qubits can represent both 0 and 1. They perform several calculations at the same time thanks to their superimposed state, speeding up the resolution of complex problems.
  • At present, a quantum processor is still at the exploratory stage: it takes up a lot of space and the sophisticated optics needed to control the qubits consist of lasers, lenses and mirrors.
  • For a quantum computer to work, it must be able to correct the errors caused by the imperfect nature of current hardware, which prevent the final result of the calculation from being achieved.
  • The quantum computer will not replace the personal computer or the smartphone, and its first customers will certainly be governments and large companies rather than the general public.
Épisode 3/4
On September 26th, 2023
4 min reading time
Pierre Henriquet
Pierre Henriquet
Doctor in Nuclear Physics and Columnist at Polytechnique Insights

Key takeaways

  • We already use quantum physics in our everyday lives, but the second quantum revolution could make it possible to apply it to industry.
  • Spintronics manipulates the spin of electrons rather than their electrical charge to dramatically reduce the power consumption of components.
  • Quantum technology gives sensors the ability to measure minute signals with excellent resolution, opening up new fields of application.
  • The fields of application for these sensors are extensive, ranging from the geosciences to life sciences and inertial navigation.
  • The medical field has also made the quantum leap: the way in which the molecules in drugs interact with those in living organisms is being studied through “quantum chemistry”.
Épisode 4/4
On October 3rd, 2023
4 min reading time
Pierre Henriquet
Pierre Henriquet
Doctor in Nuclear Physics and Columnist at Polytechnique Insights

Key takeaways

  • A large proportion of modern medical treatments and imaging techniques are based on quantum physics.
  • The use of lasers, made possible by quantum mechanics, is just as useful in ophthalmology as it is in dermatology.
  • MRI would not be possible without quantum physics and a detailed understanding of the behaviour of atomic nuclei in an electromagnetic field.
  • The development of MRI is largely due to superconductivity, a manifestation of the purely quantum behaviour of matter.
  • It is also possible to locate cancer cells using particle physics during a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan.