What Is Quantum Tech?

Though you may be a tech enthusiast, you may not know the nitty-gritty details of quantum technology. Each quantum device relies on a mesh of engineering and physics to allow for better operations. While the first quantum revolution began about a century ago, the second one is happening now — with it comes innovations that require learning what quantum tech is.

If you want to stay at the forefront of this emerging sector, read on. Here is a look at what quantum tech is, the four types of this technology and its various applications.

An Overview of the Industry

So, what are these devices all about? Quantum technology utilizes quantum mechanics via quantum entanglement and quantum superposition. Such tech could enable faster and lower-cost calculations, which benefits many sectors.

Manufacturers use quantum superposition to encode data onto photons that appear to be in two places at the same time. This type of coding uses quibits instead of binary digits because they can simultaneously act as a 1 and a 0. Quantum entanglement allows the devices to develop the number of calculations they can perform exponentially.

The realm of quantum technology is rapidly developing as humanity crafts more and more technological innovations. Just 60 years ago, it would not have seemed feasible for households to have their own computer. Now, experts predict quantum tech will become mainstream as early as 2024. Though it still needs a bit of work — if quibits entangle with outside influences, they stop working — it’s likely this subatomic technology will shortly change the world.

The Types of Quantum Technology

Did you know there are four different branches of quantum tech? Each has properties that make them incredibly useful in various industries.

Computing

Often the most obvious application of quantum tech is in computing — quantum technology and quantum computing can often appear interchangeable. As you learned earlier, quantum tech relies on quibits, which coders can utilize as 1s and 0s at the same time. These computers will likely surpass supercomputers in speed and their ability to compute.

Naturally, the tech industry is very interested in the potential of quantum computing. Prototypes of just 10 to 15 quibits have been able to run algorithms and protocols successfully. Companies such as Google, Microsoft, Intel and IBM are already investing in the research and development of quantum computing.

Sensing

Because the subatomic particles quantum tech works with are so sensitive, they make very useful sensors. Researchers find these sensors to be incredibly precise because of the delicate nature of the quibits. Quantum sensing utilizes light for imaging to produce high-quality depictions of minuscule subjects.

Superposition allows the sensors to detect rotation and acceleration exceptionally accurately. One such depiction was able to capture the unraveling structure of single biomolecules — all by using quibits and entangled photons.

Communication

Quantum communication is very appealing for safety reasons. Currently, encryption relies on classic algorithms, which quantum computers can easily break. Sectors such as health care or the government require a solution before the tech goes worldwide. This communication style ironically enables encryption solutions quantum computers cannot infiltrate.

However, quantum communication still needs some work. Though quantum random-number generators already exist, they can only transmit information through repeaters around 300 miles away. It will unfortunately take years of testing before this form of data protection will be available, but satellites are helping researchers greatly extend the possible communication distance.

Simulation

While supercomputers are incredible by modern standards, they do have noticeable limitations. Quantum simulation can blow them out of the water by allowing researchers to reproduce how materials act at temperatures where they exhibit quantum phenomena. The simulators are easier to build than quantum computers because they are dedicated to a singular purpose.

This tech can let scientists observe simulations of chemical compounds and the results of high-energy physics equations. A group at MPQ Munich was able to capture the atom distribution of an ultracold quantum gas using a quantum simulator, outperforming what current supercomputers can achieve.

Different Uses of This Tech

The four types of quantum technology could have far-reaching uses in various fields. For example, quantum computing could enable faster teaching of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has vast applications, including in the medical sector, where it is currently aiding cancer research. With the ability to run more advanced algorithms at greater speeds, the combination of quantum computing and AI could be revolutionary.

Quantum sensing could have uses in industrial and health care sectors. Manufacturers could use it to detect flaws in metals, improving the quality and safety of their products. It can also enhance biosensors and allow doctors to treat their patients with extreme accuracy. It has uses now in industries ranging from particle detection to brain imaging.

Of course, quantum communication could vastly improve information security worldwide. While quantum computers could easily attack modern algorithms, creating a counterpart that might never fail is intriguing. Anyone working with data — from government officials to small-business owners operating digitally — likely has an interest in the safety quantum communication can eventually provide.

Quantum simulators will be incredibly beneficial to researchers. Moving past the drawbacks of supercomputers will allow scientists to answer some of the world’s most pressing questions. Additionally, they can eventually resolve calculations that would be utterly impossible with the tech available today.

Learning About Quantum Technology

The field of quantum tech will continue to expand as new developments occur. These innovations could go on to assist humanity in ways no science-fiction author could ever anticipate. Learn more about quantum technology to expand your knowledge of what these devices could do for the world in the near future.