About the Cover

Although it’s natural to think of our world classically, quantum mechanics is all around us, and early debates about quantum theory, epitomized by Schrödinger’s cat, have morphed into real-world quantum applications. In this special issue, we present articles from the Physics Today archives that describe the birth of modern quantum mechanics, the emergence of several key concepts, and emerging applications that have the potential to transform both science and society. (Cover design by Three Ring Studio.)