Quantum Technology: A vast market for the tiniest components

The most promising advancements in technology beyond artificial intelligence lie within the smallest elements of matter. Where do we currently stand with quantum computing, sensing, communication, and imaging? What role will Europe play in this emerging technology?

The excitement surrounding AI has somewhat overshadowed quantum computing in recent years. However, this doesn't mean progress in research has stalled. Quantum computers are still seen as potentially revolutionary technology, among others by the current edition of ERGO’s and Munich Re’s “Tech Trend Radar”. Yet, larger quantum processors are still far from being ready for the general market, with numerous technical challenges remaining.

Investment in quantum technologies is rapidly increasing

The vast potential of these technologies has long been recognised, with research and development already yielding a range of devices that harness the laws of quantum mechanics. These include lasers, atomic clocks, and magnetic resonance imaging, which have significantly impacted medical care as imaging techniques. Thus, this discussion is not purely theoretical.

Quantum computing is a key area of development for the coming years. McKinsey's ‘Quantum Technology Monitor 2025’ forecasts a global market volume of 97 billion US dollars for quantum technologies by 2035. Beyond quantum computing, substantial innovations are anticipated in quantum communication and quantum sensor technology.

State of development: Challenges yet to be overcome

Instability: Qubits are susceptible to external influences such as temperature, vibrations, or electromagnetic radiation, which can alter their state. This leads to calculation errors and instability in the quantum system. The susceptibility to interference increases with the number of qubits used.

Possible Solutions: Complex error correction mechanisms and redundancies can mitigate errors, as can cooling to extremely low temperatures.

An innovative idea from a team of researchers at Oxford University involves connecting several smaller quantum computers via light data transmission. This process, known as ‘quantum teleportation,’ allows for larger qubit networks without increasing instability.

Further Challenges:

Coherence Time: A qubit cannot maintain its quantum state for long (coherence time), limiting the number of computing operations that can be performed.

Scalability: Quantum systems cannot yet be expanded arbitrarily with qubits, which is necessary for complex applications.

Environmental Conditions: To maintain qubit stability, they must be cooled to temperatures near absolute zero.

Costs: These challenges lead to very high development and construction costs, hindering widespread market introduction.

Quantum communication promises unprecedented security

Quantum communication introduces new forms of digital data transmission characterised by high speeds and robust security. The goal is to encode and transmit information in the quantum states of photons. Any attempt to intercept would irreversibly affect the quantum states, making it immediately detectable. Researchers hope quantum communication will enable completely secure data transmission.

The geopolitical significance of such secure transmission is immense. Establishing a valid quantum communication network first would offer a major advantage in national security. A quantum network could protect critical facilities such as government agencies, hospitals, energy systems, and other vital infrastructure from cyber attacks.

Quantum sensor technology offers unmatched precision

Atomic clocks exemplify this precision. Since 1991, all radio clocks in Germany have been synchronised with an atomic clock at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Braunschweig, with a deviation of approximately one second over several million years.

Quantum sensors exploit the exceptional sensitivity of quantum mechanical systems to external influences, enabling measurements far exceeding classical methods. They can detect minute changes in magnetic fields, gravitational fields, electric fields, or even time itself.

Potential applications range from medical diagnostics to detecting raw materials deep underground. Medical quantum sensors could, for example, monitor individual neurons in the human brain, facilitating early detection of diseases like Alzheimer's.

Quantum imaging is transforming imaging techniques

Quantum imaging techniques can capture images with significantly less light than conventional cameras. This has numerous applications in medicine, production, and biology.

Magnetic resonance imaging, already employing quantum mechanical principles, can be significantly enhanced through quantum imaging methods. The Fraunhofer Institute cites a 10,000-fold improvement in sensitivity, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnoses.

In biology, quantum imaging benefits light-sensitive samples, among other things. In semiconductor production, the technology can detect microchip defects invisible to conventional optical methods, enabling real-time quality monitoring during production.

Conclusion: AI & Quantum Technology

When combined with AI, the immense potential of various quantum technologies increases significantly. AI can play a crucial role in their development, accelerating progress. It will also broaden the scope of applications for quantum technologies, potentially leading to innovations we cannot yet envision.

Text: Falk Hedemann