The quantum information revolution has taught us that quantum mechanics is not a paler version of its classical counterpart, hindered by intrinsic uncertainty and random measurement outcomes. Au contraire! A machine whose operation takes full advantage of the laws of quantum mechanics has information processing capabilities well beyond those that are restricted to essentially classical laws. To harness this power requires new methods for control and measurement, so that we can make quantum systems do our bidding, rather than what comes naturally.

In this colloquium, I will give an introduction to the basics of quantum information science and progress in the control/measurement tools that make this possible. In particular, I will describe a quantum information processing testbed, consisting of ensembles of spin in ultracold atoms gases at near absolute zero temperatures. It’s a Back-to-the-Future vacuum-tube technology!