Quantum mechanics forms the basis for a wide range of technological applications, from lasers to semiconductors, DVD players to supercomputers. The development of these technologies based on fundamental quantum mechanical research is often referred to as the first quantum revolution.

In recent years, a new development is emerging that promises to dramatically change our world, the second quantum revolution. It takes advantage of the fact that radically new modes of information processing arise when individual physical systems are used as information carriers that obey the laws of quantum mechanics. Quantum computers, as they are already being built at moderate scales, are now the talk of the town: they promise to solve important computational problems that are out of reach for even the most advanced supercomputers.

After years of being merely a tantalizing theoretical vision, quantum computers are now being created in laboratories that, while not yet universal computers capable of solving all computational problems, are already faster than supercomputers for solving paradigmatic tasks. Quantum simulators allow insights into complex quantum systems from quantum chemistry and materials science that cannot be achieved by classical simulations.

With the help of quantum communication, tap-proof data transmission is possible. Such applications have considerable technological potential. The German government has just launched a program on quantum technologies funded with almost two billion euros, which highlights the considerable strategic importance of this research field. Equally, it is important to keep expectations realistic and grounded.

This talk offers a brief tour of this exciting topic, which is being funded by an Einstein Research Unit.