Quantum information science is the study of information, communication and computation using devices that are governed by quantum principles. Whereas today's information technology is based on binary numbers and boolean logic ("classical information and communication"), quantum information transcends this system by processing superpositions of numbers and employing randomness and correlations that are unequalled in the classical (i.e. non-quantum) world.

Quantum information is exciting because it portends revolutionary advances beyond classical capabilities. As examples quantum devices could generate true random numbers, easily solve some computational problems that are forever hard on classical devices, dramatically speed up data searches, increase communication capacity by dense packing of information, provide ultra precise measurements, and generate unbreakable cryptographic keys for secure communication.

Experimental quantum information science is progressing rapidly but faces many hard, intriguing challenges. Quantum information systems may be realized with photons, atoms and molecules, superconductors, doped semiconductors, or some combination thereof. Such multidisciplinary research yields near-term benefits such as atomic scale engineering, optical communication, and simulating proposed new materials.

These exciting theoretical and experimental advances have catapulted quantum information science to becoming one of the most fields of research, one that brings together computer scientists, mathematicians, engineers, physicists, chemists, and material scientists.