Quantum Mechanics: Shaping Modern Technology, Medicine, and Beyond

Quantum mechanics has significantly shaped the world. Arguably, the world would not be where it is without quantum mechanics' contributions. Advances in technology, medicine, and understanding of biological processes like photosynthesis rely on quantum mechanics knowledge. To make advancements in the future, it is necessary to look back in the past and understand contributions that made improvements possible.

Birth of Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics is a science that deals with the atomic and subatomic scale behavior of matter and light (Squires par. 1). According to Orozco (par. 1), the functional form of the curve that is recognized as the Planck distribution of blackbody radiation was found by Max Planck. After attempts to measure energy distribution from blackbody radiation using Wilhelm Wein’s observation of longwave and Lord Rayleigh’s observation of short wavelengths were unsuccessful (Squires par. 5). Max Planck worked with the assumption that radiation energy was released in separate packets called quanta and not constantly (Squires par. 6).

Impacts on Modern Science and Technology

According to Matson (par. 2), quantum mechanics is responsible for the invention of transistors present in modern personal computers. Papiewski (par. 1) noted that transistors replaced vacuum tubes; their small size and low power consumption created a miniaturization wave that resulted in personal computers, digital cameras, and mobile phones. The primary mechanism for storing and moving data in a modern computer is transistors (Papiewski par. 2). As the transistor’s characteristics improved over the years, the capacity to store and transport information grew considerably, enabling the electronic devices that are known today.

Quantum mechanics is also responsible for developments in laser. According to Science Techniz (par. 5), the light sources, which are quantum devices, transmit messages in fiber optic cables. Fiber optics are known to transmit data faster than ordinary copper wire. Quantum dots can show how light can be manipulated, send radio signals, and create animations and data storage. These devices can be used to perform even more significant tasks. The trick is to control the light precisely and emit signals that are what is needed. In 1907 Einstein wrote the basic physics of the laser in an article on the statistics of photons and their relationship to atoms. (Science Techniz par. 6).

Quantum mechanics is also responsible for our functioning of the Global Positioning System (GPS) in smartphone navigation (Science Techniz par. 8). The GPS receiver in the smartphone receives the transmission from various clocks to calculate the distance from each satellite involved using the different arrival times from those satellites (Science Techniz par. 8). The information is then used to tell exactly where the phone is on the surface of the earth. With the help of quantum mechanics, the time interval between the arrival of a transmitter and receiver is a function of the receiver’s quantum state. This is done through the interference of two nearby clocks that exchange signals so that the photons exchanged between them reveal the receiver’s actual state at a given moment.

Quantum mechanics has also impacted the chemistry of life. It has allowed us to understand how organic compounds behave. According to Henriques (par. 3), quantum processes are behind photosynthesis in plants. Quantum mechanics has helped to understand how biological molecules can carry information by attaching groups of electrons, acting as nuclei for their respective biological atoms, and linking them up. The complexity of this can be comprehended by using modern theoretical frameworks for mathematics. The mathematics of these systems becomes even more complicated when considering electrons’ properties in atomic nuclei, such as quantum entanglement.

Quantum mechanics is responsible for the developments in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). According to Science Techniz (par. 12), MRI utilizes an intelligent configuration of magnetic fields that helps doctors determine the concentration of hydrogen in various parts of the body, which differs between varieties of softer tissues in standard X-rays that do not show up well.

Conclusion

Although quantum mechanics was developed over 120 years ago, the principle involved is widely applied in the development and operations of personal computers, cellphones, GPS, and MRI, among other developments. The transistors used in modern personal computers improve from the spacious vacuum tube used in the early developments of computers. Transistors are small in size and consume less power, enabling miniaturization waves that result in digital cameras and mobile phones. In medicine, quantum mechanics have enabled the development of MRI used to differentiate varieties of tissues that a standard X-ray does not show clearly.

Works Cited

Henriques, M. “Organisms might be quantum machines.” BBC. http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20160715-organisms-might-be-quantum-machines. Accessed 14 December 2020

Matson, J. “What Is Quantum Mechanics Good for?” Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/everyday-quantum-physics/. Accessed on 14 December 2020.

Orozco, L. “Max Planck and the Birth of Quantum Mechanics.” SciTechDaily. https://scitechdaily.com/max-planck-and-the-birth-of-quantum-mechanics/. Accessed 14 December 2020

Papiewski, J. “Why Are Transistors So Important?” Sciencing. https://sciencing.com/transistors-important-5407975.html. Accessed on 14 December 2020.

Science Techniz. “What Has Quantum Mechanics Ever Done for Us?” Science Techniz. https://www.sciencetechniz.com/2020/03/what-has-quantum-mechanics-ever-done.html. Accessed 14 December 2020

Squires, G, L. “Quantum mechanics”. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/quantum-mechanics-physics/Einstein-and-the-photoelectric-effect. Accessed on 14 December 2020.