In March 2023, the UK Government identified five critical technologies, including quantum technologies, as vital for the country's future.
Quantum technologies refer to a diverse set of technologies that leverage the principles of quantum mechanics, which is the branch of physics that describes the behaviour of matter and energy at the smallest scales, such as atoms and subatomic particles. Quantum technologies take advantage of quantum properties like superposition, entanglement and coherence to perform tasks that would be difficult or impossible using classical (non-quantum) methods.
- Quantum superposition refers to the phenomenon where a quantum system, such as a particle or an atom, can exist in multiple states simultaneously.
- Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum physics where two or more particles become correlated in such a way that the properties of one particle are dependent on the properties of another, regardless of the physical distance between them. This correlation between particles is maintained even if they are separated by vast distances, which can seem counterintuitive.
- Quantum coherence is a property of quantum systems that refers to their ability to maintain a stable phase relationship between different quantum states. This property enables quantum systems to act in a synchronised way allowing them to work together and create interference effects, akin to how water waves can interfere with each other to create patterns of peaks and troughs.
These technologies have the potential to revolutionize various fields, including computing, communication, sensing, and cryptography.
The Critical Conversation featured two experts working on quantum sensing and quantum computing. Professor Melissa Mather, Professor in Quantum Sensing and Engineering, University of Nottingham and Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies, works on quantum sensing, using atomic-scale defects in synthetic diamonds to measure magnetic fields, electric fields and chemical reactions. These sensors are particularly useful for high precision and high sensitivity applications, such as imaging in medicine and biology, drug discovery and diagnostic testing, as well as environmental applications.
Professor Peter Coveney FREng, Professor of Physical Chemistry, University College London, focuses on quantum computing, which uses qubits as its basic building blocks. Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize fields like molecular electronic structure calculations, enabling the study of complex systems with thousands of atoms and billions of electrons. However, current quantum computers face challenges due to noise and limited qubit counts, making it difficult to achieve significant quantum advantage.
While quantum technologies have enormous potential, Melissa and Peter cautioned against hype, noting that the timeline for real-world impact at scale is still uncertain, and for quantum computing could possibly be a decade away.
They also noted the potential for convergence between quantum and classical computing to harness the strengths of both. The integration of quantum computing into large-scale computing systems could lead to a more powerful and balanced approach to complex problem-solving. And while AI is already being deployed at scale, quantum computing, when mature, could provide explanatory power and a physics-based foundation to enhance AI's capabilities.
The discussion focused on several key points:
- Strategic advantage: The UK aims to become a leading quantum economy through its national quantum strategy, recognizing the importance of quantum technologies for future prosperity and security. This builds on existing strengths in underpinning technologies and important sectors for applications, including photonics, compound semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and aerospace.
- International collaboration: Collaboration with other countries is essential for research and development in quantum technologies, including for access to quantum computing capabilities, but it should also be balanced with managing security risks and competition. Events in recent years have highlighted supply chain risks and greater attention needs to be paid to global competition for the rare earth materials and other critical components required for quantum technologies.
- Quantum computing capabilities: The UK lacks significant quantum computing capabilities and needs to invest in developing and accessing quantum computers to stay competitive. Quantum researchers are currently working with manufacturers to co-design the next generation of quantum computers.
- Quantum sensors: Quantum sensors can have a wide range of applications, including autonomous vehicle sensing, positioning, navigation, and timing. Quantum sensors are already being deployed in sectors ranging from healthcare to defence and more near market demonstrators are in development.
- Inclusivity: It is important to promote inclusive innovation in quantum technologies, making them accessible to a diverse range of stakeholders. This ranges from designing plug and play quantum technology devices that can be used by non-specialists through to enabling people in developing countries to participate in the quantum economy. Quantum technologies embedded in future telecom systems (6G) could support greater accessibility for people in emerging economies, contributing to global levelling up.
- Quantum skills: Developing quantum technologies requires a diverse set of skills, including theoretical physics, engineering, software development and manufacturing, and includes technicians and others who will play roles in the industrial deployment of quantum technologies. Quantum literacy is something everyone can attain regardless of their depth of understanding. As quantum technologies touch more parts of our lives it is important everyone embraces quantum literacy.
Overall, the discussion highlighted the importance of integrated efforts in research, development, and access to quantum technologies to maintain UK strategic advantage and foster inclusivity in the quantum ecosystem. While it is important to remain clear-eyed about the state of play, these are an exceedingly powerful set of technologies which, as they mature, could drive transformational and disruptive impacts across a variety of domains.