Quantum Science in Europe: a legacy of foundations, a future of light
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Quantum Science in Europe: a legacy of foundations, a future of light
June 1925. A 23-year-old German physicist travels to the small island of Helgoland, in the North Sea, to escape the seasonal allergies that afflict him. In this quiet and isolated setting, Werner Heisenberg works intensively on the foundations of a theory based on observables, one that could explain the emission spectrum of hydrogen and even atoms with multiple electrons. His research is part of the broader momentum in atomic physics building since the start of the 20th century. Heisenberg exchanges intensely with Wolfgang Pauli and Niels Bohr, even sending his manuscript to Bohr for feedback before submitting it for publication at the end of July 1925. That article, Umdeutung(" reinterpretation "), would soon be followed by two more, co-authored with Bohr and Jordan. His work, along with that of other pioneers, marked the beginning of the quantum revolution, a profound intellectual, scientific, and technological upheaval. 2025. The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, declared by UNESCO, is a unique opportunity to look back on a century of extraordinary progress. Over the past ten decades, one of the most remarkable scientific adventures has unfolded, filled with passionate debates, controversies, and brilliant insights.
Editorial
NICOLAS BONOD Editor-in-Chief
It was in Europe that the foundations of quantum mechanics were laid, and Europe has continued to carry that legacy forward. Thanks to the dedication of leading scientists who have worked closely with policymakers, ambitious programs have emerged to sustain and expand this long-standing tradition of excellence. Today, quantum science and technology are part of many academic programs; they are shaping a wide range of fields, from communications and computing to imaging and sensing. They are driving innovation and enabling the creation of cutting-edge companies poised to transform entire sectors. And they are also reaching a broad audience, sparking curiosity, inspiring new generations, and making science more appealing. From the intense exchanges among early pioneers and the solitary reflections on a wind-swept island, to today’ s broad engagement, strong momentum, and groundbreaking technologies, quantum science has linked the rigor of theory with the imagination of society and is now shaping both our present and our future. This issue is dedicated to all those who helped spark the rise of quantum science and technology, and to all who continue to advance the technologies of light with dedication and vision.
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