Foundations of quantum mechanics and their impact on contemporary society

TL;DR

Quantum mechanics, once considered philosophically puzzling, has been experimentally verified and now significantly influences modern technology and society, despite ongoing foundational debates.

Contribution

This paper introduces a special issue exploring the foundational questions of quantum mechanics and their societal impact, highlighting recent experimental progress and technological applications.

Findings

Experimental verification of quantum phenomena

Quantum technologies impacting society

Ongoing debates on quantum foundations

Abstract

Nearing a century since its inception, quantum mechanics is as lively as ever. Its signature manifestations, such as superposition, wave-particle duality, uncertainty principle, entanglement and nonlocality, were long confronted as weird predictions of an incomplete theory, paradoxes only suitable for philosophical discussions, or mere mathematical artifacts with no counterpart in the physical reality. Nevertheless, decades of progress in the experimental verification and control of quantum systems have routinely proven detractors wrong. While fundamental questions still remain wide open on the foundations and interpretations of quantum mechanics, its modern technological applications have captured the fascination of the general public and are having a transformative impact on society. This brief article acts as Introduction to a Special Issue in the Philosophical Transactions of Royal Society A, following from a dedicated Scientific Discussion Meeting where these fascinating topics were explored, giving rise to stimulating debates among speakers and audience. The present issue thus aims at conveying the spirit of those discussions.