Quantum 2.0 Needs Diplomacy: Advancing High‑Impact Sensing Through International Collaboration
Harnessing the most elusive quantum properties of matter, quantum sensing technologies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible to measure in medicine, biology, space exploration, and more. Along with quantum computing and communication, recent technological developments have enabled such devices to be at the forefront of the second quantum revolution, receiving attention from scientific, investment, and policy worlds.
The importance of sensing
Sensing has always been of paramount importance to the technological development of human society, starting with devices that measure and compare the passing of time or the mass of objects, such as sundials and scales. Even today, sensors are omnipresent in everyday technology, enabling us to measure the world around us and allowing machines to sense and react to different conditions. For example, cooling systems activate at high temperatures, and glucose sensors help people with diabetes self-medicate and live better lives. In general, every industrialized and scientific process is highly dependent on sensing technologies.
Quantum sensing
The development of novel sensors with higher resolution and sensitivity is directly correlated with the development of new technologies. As quantum systems are extremely sensitive to their surroundings, they are ideal for use in devices where the nature of quantum systems enables the development of sensors with extremely reduced dimensions and higher resolution.
A look into the future of sensing
The development of novel, quantum-enabled sensors has implications for a wide range of technologies, including medical imaging, navigation systems, and national security and defense strategies. Quantum magnetometers, which detect magnetic fields, could enable measurements of brain activity at the level of individual neurons or allow observation of live cell behavior. On the other hand, quantum accelerometers and gyroscopes could provide ultra-precise navigation without conventional GPS. Instruments equipped with quantum radars or gravimetry sensors could improve the detection of underground objects, providing a significant advantage to a nation's defense strategies.
Windy road to Quantum 2.0
Today we witness the second quantum revolution, with the aim of leveraging quantum properties that haven’t been exploited such as entanglement of distinct quantum units. Why is this such a hard task to accomplish? The answer relates back to the high sensitivity of quantum systems themselves, making them susceptible to undesired surrounding signals and therefore noisy measurements. The challenge is therefore to engineer quantum systems which are sensitive to the desired phenomena yet unaffected by others, a barrier which could be overcome by a robust collaborative network of researchers and investors to further develop these technologies and achieve meaningful results in the near future.
For those interested in technology transfer of quantum innovations, below are some quantum sensing applications and their corresponding Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) which are used to measure a technology's maturity, from basic research (TRL 1) to full operational deployment (TRL 9) [1].
Magnetometry – The application of quantum magnetometry (e.g., for medical devices) has been demonstrated, for example, in the context of magnetoencephalography and commented on by the relevant community for operational applications. Indicative TRL: 6 / 7
Gravimetry – This application uses distortions in the gravitational field to detect underground or hidden objects. Working prototypes have been demonstrated, such as detection of a buried tunnel from the outdoors. Indicative TRL: 6 / 7
Inertial sensors (accelerometers/gyros) – While this technology has been tested for navigation purposes in flight trials and noisy environments, industrial production has not yet been reached. Indicative TRL: 5
Radars – While the theory and proof of concept for such devices have been developed, serious issues remain in scaling the range and power of these devices for industrial or defense applications. Indicative TRL: 2 / 3
