Seeing the quantum future, literally

Scientists have demonstrated the ability to ‘see’ the future of quantum systems and used that knowledge to preempt their demise, in a major achievement that could help bring the strange and powerful world of quantum technology closer to reality. Although applications of quantum-enabled technologies are compelling, quantum physicists had previously been stymied by the most significant obstacle to building reliable quantum technologies — ‘decoherence’ or the randomization of quantum systems by their environments.