Ellen Phiddian breaks down the complexities of quantum physics, so that newbies like her can understand the transformative technologies it promises. Quantum science describes the behaviour of matter and light on the atomic and subatomic scale,” intones the introduction to the National Quantum Strategy. Quantum science has very much earned its reputation for being difficult to understand, and no Strategy can lay it out with perfect neatness. The problem with lightThe first kernels of quantum science emerged at the turn of the 20th Century. Any device with a transistor in it is using this quantum physics to work.