For World Quantum Day, on April 14th, CCNY is hosting professionals in the quantum industry, and CCNY professors engaged in active quantum research, to talk about new quantum technologies and advancements happening today. This exploding field needs all hands on deck: physicists, mathematicians, engineers, chemists, marketers, managers, and communicators.

The first quantum revolution started a hundred years ago with the introduction of quantum theory. It led to fantastic innovations that make modern society possible: lasers, semiconductors, an actual theory of chemistry, nuclear physics, and on and on.

The second quantum revolution is happening today as we gain the ability, for the first time, to precisely control individual quantum states. Quantum computers, communication, and sensors are developing rapidly and bringing with them new capabilities impossible for non-quantum devices: perfect digital security, molecular simulations, and breaking RSA (the standard) encryption are just a few on the known, world-changing, applications.

The rapid advance of new quantum technologies has spurred countries across the world to adopt new programs and policies to prepare for this upcoming technological sea change, such as the National Quantum Initiative here in the United States. To increase awareness of the Second Quantum Revolution, and to encourage students to get engaged, the UN declared April 14th “World Quantum Day”.