quantique

Quantique is the French term used to denote phenomena, theories, and technologies related to quantum physics. In French, the word appears in phrases such as physique quantique, mécanique quantique, and informatique quantique. The term derives from the Latin quantum meaning “how much” and is cognate with the English adjective quantum.

Quantum theory describes physical systems at atomic and subatomic scales where energy is quantized and classical intuition fails. Key ideas include wave-particle duality, superposition, entanglement, and the uncertainty principle. The mathematical framework uses quantum states in Hilbert spaces, with observables as operators and probabilities given by wavefunction amplitudes.

History: Early 20th century work by Planck, Einstein, and later Schrödinger, Heisenberg, and Born established the theory. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, quantum information science broadened the field from foundational physics to practical devices and technologies.

Applications: Quantum computing uses qubits to perform certain tasks more efficiently than classical computers; quantum communication and cryptography exploit entanglement and quantum key distribution; quantum sensing and metrology offer high-precision measurements. Research in quantum materials and related technologies drives the development of new electronic and photonic devices.

See also: Quantum mechanics, Quantum physics, Quantum technology. In French-language contexts, quantique is commonly encountered in academic literature, industry discourse, and media describing advances in science and technology.