Quantum nondemolition measurements: The route from toys to tools

The history of the theory of quantum nondemolition (QND) measurements from the 1920s until today is reviewed. The definition and main principles of QND measurements are outlined. Achievements in the experimental realization of QND measurements and several new promising schemes of QND measurements are described. A list of the most important problems (from the authors' point of view) in the area of QND measurements is presented. The problem of measurement of a quantum oscillator phase is considered. A new method of phase measurement is proposed. Examples of possible solutions of fundamental physical problems using QND methods are given.