Imperial College London is leading in quantum science and technology, recently testing the first quantum sensor for a future navigation system on a Royal Navy ship and launching the Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology (QuEST). Experts from Imperial, including Dr Joseph Cotter, Professor Peter Haynes, Professor Sandrine Heutz, Professor Myungshik Kim, Dr Jess Wade, and Professor Ian Walmsley, discuss the potential of quantum physics for future technologies.
They highlight the importance of quantum computing for understanding quantum interactions and simulating quantum features of materials and the potential of quantum sensors for extremely accurate measurements. They also discuss the intersection of AI and quantum mechanics and the potential of quantum computing for solving complex problems in areas like healthcare and logistics.
Understanding Quantum Physics
Quantum physics is a theory that describes how light and matter behave at the atomic level, suggesting that they can behave both as particles and waves. This theory underpins technologies we rely heavily on, such as semiconductor chips in mobile phones. Two key features of quantum physics are superposition and entanglement. Superposition refers to the ability of quantum bits to be both zero and one, rather than just exclusively one or the other. Entanglement, on the other hand, refers to the strange connection between quantum particles, even if they are separated by great distances. This concept is fundamental to quantum mechanics and is an essential part of understanding how particles behave at the quantum level.
Quantum Physics and Technology
The properties of quantum mechanics allow us to understand and manipulate particles at a whole new level. This understanding is becoming very important in developing new materials and chemical processes. Quantum computers are needed to simulate or calculate quantum features of materials. Beyond quantum computing, other features of the wave-particle nature of matter can be exploited. For example, the interference of waves, which creates patterns, can be used for extremely accurate measurement of distances. Quantum sensors, due to the much smaller wavelengths of quantum particles, are much more accurate than conventional sensors.
The conjunction of AI and quantum mechanics is also being explored. One aspect of this exploration is how AI can be used to make quantum machines more easily or improve them. The other aspect is whether quantum computing or any form of quantum processing allows different kinds of AI.
Current Uses of Quantum Technology
Quantum computing makes it possible to solve certain categories of algorithms that cannot be solved at scale on any current-generation high-performance computer. It’s not a replacement for everything, but there will be certain things in cryptanalysis and in digital simulations where quantum computers will be able to do things that we cannot currently do. This includes simulation of new materials for drugs and healthcare, traffic management, or the possibility to simulate more complex systems, like financial systems or other social constructs.
Quantum sensing is another area where quantum technologies are more mature. Quantum sensing can make very precise clocks, more sensitive gravimeters to survey underground, and more sensitive magnetometers for brain scans as well as more accurate inertial sensors that could be used for a future satellite-free navigation system.
From Research to Practical Applications
Quantum technologies will require our understanding of the right kinds of platforms and materials at a fundamental level. This fundamental research is happening alongside efforts to address the engineering challenges. Once optimised materials for quantum technologies are created and characterised, then fundamental science, physics and materials can concentrate on each component. Understanding and optimising how these components come together, how they interface, will make these quantum technologies a reality.
To fully benefit from quantum advantage will require collaborations between highly skilled scientists and innovative end-users. Focusing on public engagement, skills development, and building a diverse quantum community will help realise the technological promise of quantum science.
Imperial College London’s Role in Quantum Science and Technology Research
Imperial College London brings together people with expertise across engineering, physics, materials, chemistry, developing both hardware and software for quantum technologies to succeed. The university is also working on making the community more diverse and more inclusive, welcoming people with different backgrounds and skill sets to push quantum technologies to areas that they haven’t been applied before.
The Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology (QuEST) at Imperial College London addresses the need to convene those working on the fundamental science with those with the engineering expertise, translating discoveries in quantum science into transformative quantum technologies. The centre has three themes: materials for quantum technologies, quantum internet, and the applications of quantum computing.
“Quantum physics is a theory that describes how light and matter behave at the atomic level – saying that they can behave both as particles and waves. This underpins technologies we already heavily rely on, such as semiconductor chips in mobile phones.”
Professor Peter Haynes
“The weird properties of quantum mechanics allow us to understand and manipulate particles at a whole new level. In fact, it’s like Facebook. Last week I purchased a pair of shoes because Facebook knew I was going on holiday and that I needed some new shoes. That’s individual marketing based on individual needs. With quantum mechanics, we can know what individual elementary particles are doing and how they are interacting with each other.”
Professor Myungshik Kim
“One area that’s also being explored is the conjunction of AI and quantum mechanics. I think there are two aspects to it. One is, how do we use AI to make quantum machines more easily or improve them? And the second is, does quantum computing or any form of quantum processing allow different kinds of AI? I’d say that the first field is becoming more advanced, and I think people are recognising that is real potential there. The second aspect, I think, is still in its infancy. Nobody really yet understands what a quantum neural network looks like, for example, or what sort of capabilities it will have.”
Professor Ian Walmsley
“Quantum computation has the power to be transformative. At the moment it’s not quite ready, but a number of people here at Imperial and around the world are working on getting to a point where it can be used as a widespread technology.”
Dr Joe Cotter
“Quantum technologies will require our understanding of the right kinds of platforms and materials at a fundamental level.”
Professor Sandrine Heutz
“These are ultimately technologies that will benefit society, the economy, and national security – so we need the government, the public, the taxpayers, to be on board with whatever we’re creating.”
Dr Jess Wade
“Imperial’s convening power will be central to our quantum aims. Imperial brings together people with expertise across engineering, physics, materials, chemistry, developing both hardware and software for quantum technologies to succeed.”
Dr Jess Wade
“Our Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology (QuEST) addresses the need to convene those working on the fundamental science with those with the engineering expertise, translating discoveries in quantum science into transformative quantum technologies.”
Professor Peter Haynes
Quick Summary
Imperial College London, a global leader in quantum science and technology, is exploring the potential of quantum physics for future technologies, including quantum sensors for navigation systems and quantum computers for advanced simulations. The institution’s Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology (QuEST) is working to translate discoveries in quantum science into transformative technologies, focusing on materials for quantum technologies, quantum internet, and the applications of quantum computing.
- Imperial College London is a global leader in quantum science and technology, recently testing the first quantum sensor for a future navigation system aboard a Royal Navy ship.
- The college has launched the Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology (QuEST) to translate discoveries in quantum science into transformative technologies.
- Experts from Imperial College London, including Dr Joseph Cotter, Professor Peter Haynes, Professor Sandrine Heutz, Professor Myungshik Kim, Dr Jess Wade, and Professor Ian Walmsley, discussed the potential of quantum physics and its applications.
- Quantum physics, which describes how light and matter behave at the atomic level, underpins technologies such as semiconductor chips in mobile phones.
- Quantum physics features superposition and entanglement, which can be exploited in quantum computers, allowing quantum bits to be both zero and one rather than just one or the other.
- Quantum mechanics can help understand and manipulate particles at a new level, aiding in developing new materials and chemical processes.
- Quantum computing can solve algorithms that current-generation high-performance computers cannot, particularly in the simulation of new materials for drugs and healthcare.
- Quantum sensing can make exact clocks, more sensitive gravimeters for underground surveying, and more accurate inertial sensors for future satellite-free navigation systems.
- To make quantum technologies a reality, it is necessary to understand the right kinds of platforms and materials at a fundamental level and to address engineering challenges.
- Imperial College London is working to unite engineers with scientists to make quantum breakthroughs a reality and to make the quantum community more diverse and inclusive.
Read More
