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Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE

Quantum technology for aerospace applications

Bin Jia, Khanh Dai Pham, Genshe Chen, Dan Shen, Zhonghai Wang, Gang Wang, Erik Blasch

Published Jun 3, 2014• 12 citations
Publisher

Abstract

In this paper, quantum technology is introduced with three key topics, including quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum devices. Using these dimensions of quantum techniques we briefly introduce their contributions to aerospace applications. The paper will help readers to understand the basic concepts of the quantum technology and their potential applications in space, air, and ground applications such as highly accurate target positioning.

DOI
10.1117/12.2050032

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In this paper, quantum technology is introduced with three key topics, including quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum devices. Using these dimensions of quantum techniques we briefly introduce their contributions to aerospace applications. The paper will help readers to understand the basic concepts of the quantum technology and their potential applications in space, air, and ground applications such as highly accurate target positioning.
Current technology trends indicate that quantum computers are on the threshold of broad adoption and usability across many industries. At present a number of quantum computers have been realized in hardware, typically with only a few qubits and with performance limitations including short coherence times, difficult coupling to input/output processing, and strong susceptibility to noise in the ambient environment. However, the separate but closely related field of quantum sensing shows much more near-term promise in respect of its applicability to broad classes of systems and missions, including many types of aerospace systems, sensors, and the processing and evaluation of their data. This paper reviews the basic methodology and types of quantum sensing, some history of related measurements and proof-of-concept experiments, and assesses the potential applicability of quantum sensing techniques to future aerospace sensors and systems. Performance metrics using published models and demonstration experiments show distinct performance advantages in several cases and are used to compare near-term quantum sensing to more conventional systems. In addition, the application of quantum communication to networked systems is discussed, along with the potential for novel data fusion techniques using quantum-inspired protocols and methods.
This paper is a general literature survey of recent research and publications that will attempt to answer the question: “What are the uses of quantum computing in aerospace systems.” Quantum computing is still in the very early stages of development and appears to be at a technology readiness level where subcomponents are being tested in a relevant environment. For example, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is planning to send an experiment to the International Space Station that could lead the way to a quantum global network. It will test communication technologies in the harsh environment of space that could enable two quantum computers to securely connect with each other no matter where they were. This paper will reference JPL’s experiment1.and attempt to summarize quantum computing aerospace applications. The use of machine learning algorithms appears to be one of the most significant enablers of quantum computing. Quantum cryptography and cryptanalysis seem to be the most important applications, among many others since our national security and future lunar exploration competitiveness may depend on it.
This paper discusses the benefits that can be enjoyed from the possible application of quantum computing to the aerospace sector. It discusses these benefits for various tasks and applications such as artificial intelligence, cryptographic key distribution and simulation. The challenge of determining what aerospace application computations will be best allocated to quantum devices is also discussed. The method for best utilizing quantum computing for aerospace applications is considered and the benefits of a grid-based implementation of computational resources are discussed. The grid model of having a collection of network-connected heterogenous devices could be used as a way to make effective use of computational resources. It could be used for the operations and development of simulations as well as machine learning and other software applications. This paper also presents a summary of potential use-cases, as well as a discussion of the work necessary to expedite the process of quantum computing development.
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Information theory lies at the heart of modern technology, underpinning all communications, networking, and data storage systems. This book sets out, for the first time, a complete overview of both classical and quantum information theory. Throughout, the reader is introduced to key results without becoming lost in mathematical details. Opening chapters present the basic concepts and various applications of Shannon's entropy, moving on to the core features of quantum information and quantum computing. Topics such as coding, compression, error-correction, cryptography and channel capacity are covered from classical and quantum viewpoints. Employing an informal yet scientifically accurate approach, Desurvire provides the reader with the knowledge to understand quantum gates and circuits. Highly illustrated, with numerous practical examples and end-of-chapter exercises, this text is ideal for graduate students and researchers in electrical engineering and computer science, and practitioners in the telecommunications industry. Further resources and instructor-only solutions are available at www.cambridge.org/9780521881715.