QED
In the book From X-Rays to Quarks: Chapter 13 - New Branches from the Old Stump, deals with modern scientific theory advancement. Segre begins with a look at the older theory of quantum electrodynamics, better known as QED. QED was an important feature in quantum theory research in the early part of the century. As modern theories and observations contradicted the preset QED rules, QED was modified in radical ways. But the theory was not the only thing that changed. As Segre points out, greater understanding of QED lead to further advancements in technology, and vice versa. As instrumentation became more sophisticated, the theory could be tested and understood in more depth, correcting several misinterpretations. By 1947, QED was modified to quantum field theory, which was the attempt to apply quantum principles to the field of electromagnetism. This is the beginning of modern TOE (theory of everything). Phenomenon that previously was not understood has been a reformulated with both theories. Further combination of the theories, however, was not possible with the prevailing theories, though ideas of including the strong theory was tossed around as early as the late 1930s (p270-274).
But modifications to the theories have lead to advancements in technology. Studies in electromagnetic radiation has lead to the development of lasers and masers in 1954 by Charles C. Townes. Since that time, further studies in optics have also lead to lasers of unimaginable intensity and monochronomity. Such mechanical development has lead to a better understanding of the theories of nuclear physics. Entire new elements have been made in the search for understanding. To analyze these elements, the technology had to advance, which reached the point of being able to observe otherwise inaccessible phenomena. Interconnections in the various fields of physics have allowed overall advancement in both theory and practice (p276-178).
A spectacular interconnection that was not anticipated when working on the theory was in the area of atomic modeling and solid-state physics. This combination has lead to the practical application of superconductivity. By studying the theories of quantum mechanics, the understanding of nuclear matter has lead to one of the largest leaps forward in the computer industry.
Other purely theoretical pursuits have lead to very practical applications. The ideas of quantum mechanical tunneling through potential barriers has lead to the development of both super- and semi-conductors. Semi-conductor research has also lead to the invention of modern transistors. All of these advances have helped to move the theoretical field of electronics, in general, forward. Nuclear physics theory has been used to explain the cycles of nuclear reactions in the sun, which are also the goals of understanding nuclear reactions in the laboratory. Man-made explosive thermonuclear reactions are the basis of the modern energy industry (p280-284).
Physics� technology is not the only area that physical theories have been a major boon. Molecular biology has also had many benefits. X-ray Crystallography enables analysis of DNA/protein/etc. compounds, which is a technology application of chemical bond theory and quantum mechanics (p285-287).
As Serge points out, funneling science into technology is a common endeavor. Advancements in theory makes technological advancement possible, and the reverse are also true. They work hand in hand. Practical development of these advancements have been unprecedented, and also unpredicted. These practical ideas are not foreshadowed in the theory developments themselves. Instead, often development is as complete surprise to the theorist as the general public (288-289).