In the 1992 movie Sneakers, hackers discover a device that can break the encryption of virtually any computer system. At the time of release, the idea seemed far-fetched. But today, because of quantum computers, we may soon have a similar device. Quantum theory is now approaching its 100th anniversary, with the central tenants of the theory having been well-established by the mid-1920s. Together with general relativity, quantum theory is one of the foundational theories of modern science. Our modern world would not be possible without quantum theory: It’s central to the design of semiconductors, lasers, MRIs, and even LEDs.
