Quantum technologies are based on the properties of atoms, electrons and photons. Quantum physics describes the behaviour of these fundamental units which can behave either like waves or like particles, resulting in many extraordinary properties. They can provide unchanging standards to use for measurement and their 'quantum' behaviour can potentially create a completely new class of advanced environmental sensors and systems, with radically new capabilities for timing and navigation, secure communications, driverless cars, computing and other critical applications. NPL has initiated a wide-ranging programme, based on its applied metrology expertise, which focuses on the many ways in which NPL, as the UK’s National Metrology Institute, can contribute to the development of quantum technologies into usable products and services. Through its new programme, NPL will lead on the creation of a comprehensive capability to test and evaluate prototypes and new products, which are based on quantum technologies. The programme will involve establishing new measurement methods and protocols which will contribute to new international standards, in collaboration with partners around the world. This talk will outline the key elements of the programme and how it fits within the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP), as well as some key initial projects.
Quantum technologies are based on the properties of atoms, electrons and photons. Quantum physics describes the behaviour of these fundamental units which can behave either like waves or like particles, resulting in many extraordinary properties. They can provide unchanging standards to use for measurement and their 'quantum' behaviour can potentially create a completely new class of advanced environmental sensors and systems, with radically new capabilities for timing and navigation, secure communications, driverless cars, computing and other critical applications. NPL has initiated a wide-ranging programme, based on its applied metrology expertise, which focuses on the many ways in which NPL, as the UK’s National Metrology Institute, can contribute to the development of quantum technologies into usable products and services. Through its new programme, NPL will lead on the creation of a comprehensive capability to test and evaluate prototypes and new products, which are based on quantum technologies. The programme will involve establishing new measurement methods and protocols which will contribute to new international standards, in collaboration with partners around the world. This talk will outline the key elements of the programme and how it fits within the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP), as well as some key initial projects.
The UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology is one of four flagship initiatives in the UK National of Quantum Technology Program. As part of a 20-year vision it translates laboratory demonstrations to deployable practical devices, with game-changing miniaturized components and prototypes that transform the state-of-the-art for quantum sensors and metrology. It brings together experts from the Universities of Birmingham, Glasgow, Nottingham, Southampton, Strathclyde and Sussex, NPL and currently links to over 15 leading international academic institutions and over 70 companies to build the supply chains and routes to market needed to bring 10–1000x improvements in sensing applications. It seeks, and is open to, additional partners for new application development and creates a point of easy open access to the facilities and supply chains that it stimulates or nurtures.
Industrial technologies based on the production, manipulation, and detection of single and entangled photons are emerging, and quantum key distribution via optical fibre is one of the most commercially-advanced. The National Physical Laboratory is developing traceable performance metrology for the quantum devices used in these technologies. This is part of a broader effort to develop metrological techniques and standards to accelerate the development and commercial uptake of new industrial quantum communication technologies based on single photons. This presentation will give an overview of the work carried out at NPL and within the wider European community, and highlight plans for the future.
Abstract The UK has, through a mix of government and industry funding, committed more than £1Bn over ten years to a coordinated programme in quantum technology. Five years into this programme, the UK National Quantum Technology Programme has induced a step change in the nation’s capabilities for establishing a new sector in future quantum information technologies. We describe how the programme arose and the activities it has supported and influenced to deliver these new capabilities, building on a first phase of over £385M investment across several UK government agencies. As the programme enters its second phase, with a further substantial investment by UK government and global industries, we review the prospects for ensuring the advanced quantum science and demonstrator platforms in imaging, sensing, timing, communications and computing developed over the past five years drive the formation of the sector and embed quantum tech in a broad range of industries by means of new products and services.
Over the past century, quantum theory has taken flight from conceptual breakthroughs, such as wave–particle duality, quantisation of energy, and the uncertainty principle, to practical tools that are the backbone of modern electronics, lasers, semiconductors, and precision measurement systems. In the twenty-first century, this progress under the regime of the second quantum revolution has acquired the ability to directly control, manipulate, and engineer individual quantum systems.Quantum technologies found their pillars in quantum properties, such as superposition, entanglement, and coherence and have exceeded the boundaries of classical physics. The steady theoretical advances, combined with experimental progress, have brought quantum concepts closer to real-life use. Significant progress has made in filed of computation, communication, sensing, navigation, medicine, cyber security, and national defense undr the guidance of quantum technology.This book chapter presents a comprehensive and pedagogical overview of quantum technologies. It highlights quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing and metrology. The shift of quantum mechanics into practical applications is discussed. Current research trends are reviewed alongside the technological and engineering challenges. The critical issues, such as decoherence, scalability, error correction, standardisation, and workforce development, are discussed, which further highlights the need for global collaboration. Both National governments and the private sector are investing heavily in quantum research. This will act as a booster for quantum technologies to revolutionise information processing, secure communications, and precision measurements. Consequently and will significantly impact the scientific and technological landscape.
Over the past century, quantum theory has taken flight from conceptual breakthroughs, such as wave–particle duality, quantisation of energy, and the uncertainty principle, to practical tools that are the backbone of modern electronics, lasers, semiconductors, and precision measurement systems. In the twenty-first century, this progress under the regime of the second quantum revolution has acquired the ability to directly control, manipulate, and engineer individual quantum systems. Quantum technologies found their pillars in quantum properties, such as superposition, entanglement, and coherence and have exceeded the boundaries of classical physics. The steady theoretical advances, combined with experimental progress, have brought quantum concepts closer to real-life use. Significant progress has made in filed of computation, communication, sensing, navigation, medicine, cyber security, and national defense undr the guidance of quantum technology. This book chapter presents a comprehensive and pedagogical overview of quantum technologies. It highlights quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing and metrology. The shift of quantum mechanics into practical applications is discussed. Current research trends are reviewed alongside the technological and engineering challenges. The critical issues, such as decoherence, scalability, error correction, standardisation, and workforce development, are discussed, which further highlights the need for global collaboration. Both National governments and the private sector are investing heavily in quantum research. This will act as a booster for quantum technologies to revolutionise information processing, secure communications, and precision measurements. Consequently and will significantly impact the scientific and technological landscape.
Quantum entanglement, the inseparable entwinement of particles at the atomic scale, has emerged from the realms of theoretical debate and now has the potential to revolutionize many areas of science and technology. Entanglement-based technologies are truly disruptive: they rely on the quantum nature of matter to perform functions which are intrinsically inaccessible to technologies based on macroscopic devices ruled by the laws of classical physics. The use of entanglement in systems relevant to NPL, where there is already a technical capability such as for atomic particles, photons and superconducting qubit devices, is reviewed. Gains in precision metrology are assessed and recommendations made on where entanglement may benefit current and future projects in the NMS Quantum Metrology Programme.