Chapter 4
Introducing Quantum Technology 1.0
IN THIS CHAPTER
Describing the first wave of quantum technologies
Observing the evolution of electron microscopes
Calling time on mechanical clocks
Understanding the effect of the first wave
Quantum mechanics, which emerged in a wild burst of creativity, confusion, and conflict between 1900 and 1930, led directly to two massive waves of technology. The first extended from roughly 1930 to 1980; the second began in about 1980 and continues to the present day. We can call these two waves of technology Quantum Technology 1.0 and Quantum Technology 2.0.
In Quantum Technology 1.0, scientists and engineers used the insights from quantum mechanics at a coarse level, working with large numbers of photons, electrons, and other quantum particles. To the extent that individual particles were considered, it was to get them to behave as part of the group and to not leak, tunnel, and so on.
Researchers initially worked at this larger scale because they did not have the tools to work with subatomic particles individually. The tools needed for Quantum ...
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