The semiconductor industry – your computer, your phone, your TV, all communication – is underpinned by quantum physics developed during the first quantum revolution, from the 1950s to 1970s.

The second quantum revolution is happening now, says quantum physicist Otago University Professor David Hutchinson.  And it carries with it significant opportunities – and significant risks.

This second revolution is anticipated to bring innovative commercial applications and new ways to address global societal challenges, like climate change, he says.

But by exploiting the unique quantum behaviours of particles, quantum technology also poses risks to societal values, especially concerning digital security and privacy.

Prof Hutchinson’s Catalyst Kōrero will describe the physics behind these two revolutions and give a glimpse of what is to come, both the timelines and likely impacts of this new technology. 

Quantum technology also raises various policy challenges, for both national governments and international bodies.

International collaboration is needed to advance the technology. Governments face the delicate task of opening the technology ecosystems while safeguarding against misuse. National security implications of the latter, Dr Hutchinson says, are substantial.

Bio: David is a Department of Physics Professor at Otago University and a Departmental Science Advisor to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). He was Director of the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies.