I’ve gotten a question or two in the adopt-a-physicist about my favorite part of physics, and my answer was quantum mechanics. And AMO physics is all about investigating quantum theory, so it’s not surprising I went into this field. Over at Uncertain Principles, Chad gives a synopsis of What’s Interesting About AMO Physics
AMO Physics has practical applications. Atomic clocks are the best example, forming the basis for the GPS navigation system, and providing essential tools for everything from astronomy to power distribution. There are lots of other AMO-based technologies in use, though. Modern telecommunications is heavily dependent on lasers and optics. Atom-based and optical sensors are in the works for lots of things. Even esoteric things like quantum information have some practical applications, with commercial quantum cryptography systems now available.
Oh, yeah! Preach it, brother!
I’m a little surprised that Chad referred to quantum information as ‘esoteric’ though. If it was really esoteric companies such as IBM, Microsoft, Booz-Allen, and others wouldn’t be working on it (which they are).
I’m not bothered by that description. The market for such a machine is likely to be small, and even if they do ever become commonplace, the average person isn’t going to care how they work.
Actually, I disagree with you because as soon as a few people have them (assuming you are referring to quantum computers which are only a part of quantum information theory), at the very least quantum cryptography will need to become ubiquitous because quantum computers will be able to crack RSA which is what protects computer-to-computer data transfers.