Alain Aspect

The development of quantum mechanics forced scientists and philosophers at the beginning of the 20th century to rethink their descriptions of the small and smallest world. A few decades later, transistors, lasers and solar cells were developed – technology that was made possible by the first quantum revolution. According to experts, a second quantum revolution is imminent with the age of quantum communication and quantum computers.

With his scientific work, the French physicist Alain Aspect contributed significantly to further developments in the field of quantum optics. In 2013, he was awarded the Balzan Prize for his research.

Language: English

Introduction: Prof. Dr. Matthias Weidemüller, Institute of Physics, University of Heidelberg