Quantum sensors and metrology include technologies that use quantum phenomena, such as superposition, quantum entanglement, and interference, to achieve extremely precise physical and chemical measurements. The application of quantum technologies in metrology makes it possible to achieve accuracy and sensitivity that surpass traditional measurement methods. Quantum sensors are used in medicine, telecommunications, navigation, scientific research, and industry.
Quantum Sensors and Metrology
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Quantum entanglement: It enables synchronisation of multiple sensors, increasing the precision of measurements.
- Superposition: It enables simultaneous measurement of multiple states, which significantly improves the accuracy of measurements.
- Quantum interference: A phenomenon used to amplify measurement signals and increase detection sensitivity.
- Qubits as sensors: Qubits can serve as highly sensitive detectors of changes in magnetic and electric fields and temperature.
- Low decoherence: To ensure the stability of quantum sensors, decoherence, which can interfere with measurement results, must be minimised.
Industry usage
- Medicine: Precise monitoring of patient conditions and biomedical diagnostics.
- Telecommunications: Monitoring signal quality in telecommunications networks.
- Navigation: Precision navigation systems that can operate in harsh conditions without GPS.
- Industry: Monitoring industrial processes to improve product quality and reduce energy consumption.
- Research: Precision measurements in quantum physics and chemistry research.
Importance for the economy
Quantum sensors and quantum metrology have the potential to revolutionise many sectors of the economy, including industry, medicine, telecommunications, and science. Thanks to their precision, they enable more efficient resource management, precise medical diagnostics, and improved quality of industrial products. The application of these technologies in the energy industry can help optimise processes, reduce energy losses, and increase operational efficiency.
Related technologies
Artificial Intelligence
AI can analyse data from quantum sensors in real time, making them more effective in complex systems.
Microelectronics and Nanoelectronics
Quantum sensors can be integrated into miniature electronic circuits for precise measurements.
Mechanism of action
- Quantum-based sensors and metrology systems use phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to make extremely precise measurements. The qubits respond to changes in the environment, such as magnetic fields or temperature, which enables precise detection of the changes. Entanglement enables multiple sensors to work together at the same time, increasing the accuracy of measurements, while quantum interference amplifies signals, making them more sensitive.
Advantages
- High precision: Quantum sensors offer extremely accurate measurements compared to traditional technologies.
- Medical applications: They enable accurate biological diagnostics and patient monitoring.
- Energy optimisation: Quantum sensors can help optimise energy systems to increase efficiency.
- Precise navigation: They can support the development of navigation systems without using GPS.
- Research applications: They enable more precise research in physics and quantum chemistry.
Disadvantages
- Implementation costs: The high cost of manufacturing and implementing quantum technologies can be a barrier for smaller companies.
- Technological complexity: They require advanced technological knowledge and access to specialised infrastructure.
- Decoherence problems: Decoherence can interfere with measurement results, which makes it difficult to maintain sensor accuracy.
- Lack of standards: The lack of established standards for quantum technologies may hinder their widespread deployment.
- Limited availability: High costs and complexity limit the availability of quantum sensors for smaller players.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Qubits and cooling systems: The stability of qubits at low temperatures is crucial for precision measurements.
- Quantum laboratories: Specialised laboratories for testing and developing quantum technologies.
- IT infrastructure: Advanced IT systems for storing and analysing quantum sensor data.
- Team of experts: Scientists and engineers specialising in quantum physics and metrology.
- Analysis software: Tools for processing data and optimising measurements from quantum sensors.
Required competences
- Quantum physics: Knowledge of quantum mechanics and its applications in metrology.
- Quantum engineering: Ability to design and implement sensor systems based on quantum technology.
- Quantum programming: Knowledge of tools and languages for managing and analysing quantum sensor data.
- IT infrastructure management: Competence in IT systems management and quantum sensor data processing.
- Research project management: Ability to conduct technology projects related to the development of quantum metrology.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: Quantum sensors require advanced equipment and large energy resources.
- IT equipment recycling: Upgrading equipment generates electronic waste that must be properly processed.
- Process optimisation: Quantum sensors can contribute to more efficient use of raw materials in industry.
- Emission reduction: With precision measurements, it is possible to better manage energy and reduce CO2 emissions.
- IT infrastructure: Building advanced IT systems to support the operation of quantum sensors.
Legal conditions
- Data protection: Quantum sensors in medicine must comply with data protection regulations, such as GDPR (example: GDPR in patient monitoring systems).
- Export regulations: Quantum metrology technologies may be subject to high-tech export restrictions (example: export controls on quantum technologies).
- Patents and licences: Quantum sensor technologies must be protected by intellectual property laws (example: licences for quantum sensor technology).
- Safety standards: Sensor systems must meet international security standards, such as ISO 27001 (example: securing data in accordance with ISO 27001).
- Environmental standards: Implementation of quantum sensors must meet environmental requirements, such as ISO 14001 (example: compliance with ISO 14001 in the context of environmental management).