Quantum technologies are based on the various quantum mechanical phenomena and have led to a variety of applications since the 1950s, which are often referred to as first generation quantum technologies. These include, in addition to developments in semiconductors and atomic clocks, the laser, which since then has found its way in a unique way into the most diverse areas of science and industry.
Quantum technologies of the 2nd generation are concerned with the targeted quantum mechanical control of individual or a few elementary particles.
The fields of application of the second generation quantum technologies can be divided into four main topics:
- Quantum sensing
- Quantum communications
- Quantum imaging and
- Quantum computing
In the majority of the above-mentioned application areas, effects and applications from the field of photonics form the basis for quantum technologies or significantly enable them (enabling technology).