What is quantum?

He aha TE Mātai ahupūngao tataunga?

The quantisation of energy was discovered in the early 20th century, but could not be explained by previous knowledge. These new ideas heralded a scientific revolution, leading to a completely new understanding of the workings of nature at the atomic scale.

The new “quantum mechanics” contained important new concepts; that particles can behave like waves, and waves can show particle-like characteristics, for example. These often seem to contradict our experience as humans, as we are large and warm. To see quantum phenomena directly, we needed lab equipment to look at very small (atomic) scales or make things very cold and, importantly, isolate objects from the (hot and large) surrounding environment.  These new concepts also required new vocabulary to describe them! Words like superposition, superconductivity, and entanglement were developed to describe and refer to these important novel concepts.

Te reo Māori vocabulary is similarly expanding. On this website, matāi ahupūngao tataunga is used for quantum physics, as it translates to the study of the movement of energy that is countable or quantifiable. Similarly, matarua, which commonly means double-edged, can refer to particle-wave duality, or superposition. As this area of knowledge grows in Aotearoa, so too will the kupu Māori.

Throughout the 20th century, applications of this science has led to semiconductors, transistors, and lasers, which have given us pocket-sized computers and fibre internet, among other things.

Now in the 21st century, a second quantum revolution is underway. Increasingly we see technologies being developed that control and manipulate objects at the quantum level. This allows them to make use of quantum entanglement – where two objects’ measurable properties are intertwined even if they’re a universe apart. Quantum entanglement is a real superpower, as it can potentially enable quantum computers to outperform classical computers (such as we have them today). Other quantum technologies have applications in simulation, communication, sensing, and metrology (the study of measurement). Some quantum technologies are already in use now, but important developments can be expected in the future.

Check out the links provided under Resources to learn more, or come along to an event near you to celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology with us.