Infrastructure for quantum technologies encompasses all the necessary resources, devices, and systems to support the development, deployment, and operation of quantum technologies, such as quantum computers, quantum communication, and quantum sensors. The infrastructure includes data centres, fibre-optic networks, cryogenic laboratories, and systems for storing and transmitting quantum information. The introduction of quantum infrastructure requires the expansion of existing resources and the development of new technological and operational standards.
Infrastructure
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Fibre-optic networks: The infrastructure is used to transmit quantum data over long distances, enabling quantum communication and the development of quantum cryptography.
- Computing centres: Specialised server rooms and data centres for operating quantum computers and storing data related to quantum technologies.
- Cryogenic laboratories: Laboratories equipped with cooling devices to store qubits at very low temperatures, which is crucial for the stability of quantum systems.
- Network infrastructure: Systems to ensure secure transmission of quantum data between different points and integration with traditional telecommunications networks.
- Quantum relays: Devices that enable the transfer of quantum signals over long distances, used to develop quantum communication.
Industry usage
- Telecommunications: Fibre-optic networks and quantum relays provide secure data transmission between telecommunications operators.
- Industry: The infrastructure supports the development of advanced industrial systems based on quantum technology, such as quantum computers.
- Science: Cryogenic laboratories enable the development and testing of new quantum technologies in scientific research.
- Cybersecurity: Quantum networks are used to protect sensitive data from cyber attacks.
- National defence: Quantum infrastructure supports secure communications and computing in defence systems.
Importance for the economy
Quantum infrastructure is the foundation for future technological innovation in many sectors, including industry, telecommunications, medicine, and defence. Its development will enable faster and more secure processing and transmission of data, which will increase the competitiveness of companies and countries. Investment in quantum infrastructure is essential in the context of realising the full potential of quantum technologies and gaining an edge in the global market.
Related technologies
Quantum Technologies
The infrastructure supports the development and operability of quantum computers, enabling their use in various industrial sectors. Fibre-optic networks and quantum relays are key to the development of secure long-distance quantum communication. The infrastructure supports the deployment of quantum sensors, which require advanced laboratories and systems for data processing.
Cybersecurity
The network infrastructure that secures the transmission of quantum data is crucial for future Cybersecurity systems.
Cloud Computing
Integration with cloud services enables remote access to computing resources and quantum infrastructure.
Mechanism of action
- Quantum infrastructure is based on integrating advanced technologies for transferring, storing, and processing quantum information. Fibre-optic networks enable secure transmission of quantum data over long distances, while data centres provide secure and efficient storage of quantum computing results. Cryogenic laboratories are needed to maintain the low temperatures needed for the functioning of qubits in quantum computers. The infrastructure also enables the integration of quantum technologies with existing telecommunications and IT systems.
Advantages
- Accelerating technology development: Quantum infrastructure supports the rapid development of advanced quantum technologies, such as quantum computers and quantum communication.
- Increasing safety: Quantum networks offer secure data transfer, which is key to the future of Cybersecurity.
- Support for innovation: State-of-the-art infrastructure enables research and development in quantum sensors and other advanced technologies.
- Global competitiveness: Countries investing in the development of quantum infrastructure are gaining a technological edge in global markets.
- Integration with traditional systems: It enables quantum technologies to be connected to existing telecommunications and IT networks.
Disadvantages
- High costs: Building and maintaining quantum infrastructure require significant investment, which can limit its availability.
- Lack of standards: There is currently a lack of global standards for quantum infrastructure, which may delay large-scale deployment.
- Compatibility issues: Integration with traditional systems can be difficult, especially when transferring data between different technologies.
- High energy consumption: Maintaining cryogenic laboratories and computing centres requires large energy resources, which increases operating costs.
- Risk of monopolisation: Quantum infrastructure development can be dominated by a few large technology companies, limiting accessibility for smaller players.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Fibre-optic networks: It is essential for transmitting quantum data over long distances.
- Computing centres: Highly advanced server rooms to support quantum computers.
- Cryogenic laboratories: It is key to maintaining qubit stability at very low temperatures.
- Team of experts: Scientists and engineers specialising in building and maintaining quantum infrastructure.
- Quantum relays: Devices for quantum signal transmission in the network.
Required competences
- Fibre-optic network engineering: Ability to design and manage advanced telecommunications networks.
- Quantum physics: Knowledge of quantum mechanics required to build and operate advanced quantum systems.
- Computing systems engineering: Ability to design and implement computing systems that support quantum technologies.
- Technology project management: Competence in leading technology infrastructure development projects.
- Data security management: Knowledge of data protection systems and technologies to support Cybersecurity.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: Advanced data centres and cryogenic laboratories consume a lot of energy, which can increase CO2 emissions.
- IT equipment recycling: The infrastructure requires equipment upgrades, which generates electronic waste that requires proper recycling.
- Energy optimisation: Quantum sensors and other technologies can improve energy efficiency in industrial processes.
- Emission reduction: The development of quantum technologies can reduce the need for physical testing, which contributes to reducing emissions.
- IT infrastructure: The growth of modern data centres may require additional investment in energy-saving technologies.
Legal conditions
- Safety standards: Quantum technologies must meet international safety standards, such as ISO (example: ISO 27001).
- Export regulations: The export of advanced quantum technologies is subject to international regulations (example: technology export controls in the US).
- Data protection: The infrastructure must ensure compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR (example: data processing under GDPR).
- Patents and licences: Quantum technologies must be protected by intellectual property laws (example: technology licences).
- Environmental standards: Implementation of infrastructure must meet environmental requirements, such as ISO 14001 (example: environmental management in accordance with ISO 14001).