Sensing, communication and computation
Today, quantum technologies are reshaping our world in amazing ways, with three major categories being especially exciting: quantum sensing, quantum communication, and quantum computing.
Quantum sensing uses the special properties of quantum physics to measure things more accurately than any tools we have today.
Quantum communication can help send and encrypt information in ways that make it nearly impossible to hack, resulting in safer banking and more secure internet connections.
The third category, quantum computing, uses quantum bits that are known as qubits to solve certain complicated problems much faster than normal computers can.
This could help researchers in the near future invent new medicines, design better materials and develop cleaner energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“When we discuss quantum in terms of technologies, we’re talking about things that utilise quantum mechanical laws to do something interesting,” says A/Prof. Pla, from UNSW’s School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications.
“There are many technologies that we use today that have had quantum mechanics in them for decades, since the first quantum revolution, which happened in the early 1900s. That gave us devices like transistors, diodes, and lasers. You wouldn’t have computers, medical lasers, these sorts of technologies without those devices.
“Now we have technologies coming from the second quantum revolution, which is actually currently underway. And these are things that use some sort of quantum phenomenon in a sophisticated way to do something that we couldn’t do in the past.
“And that gives us technologies like quantum computers, quantum-enhanced sensors, atomic clocks and so on.”
Superconducting quantum interference device
One example of quantum enhanced sensing highlighted in the episode is a superconducting quantum interference device, or SQUID.
This is an extremely sensitive tool for measuring tiny magnetic fields, which has been strongly developed by Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) for use in mining to help find valuable minerals underground.
The technology has been credited with the discovery of ore deposits worth at least $4 billion in Australia.
“CSIRO worked out how to make these SQUID magnetic field sensors using superconductors that superconduct at higher temperatures than normal,” says A/Prof. Pla.
“What that allowed them to do is put these things in planes and fly them across Australia and detect iron ore and other mineral deposits underground, something you couldn’t do before. So, these are things that have existed for some time. They’re here, they’re delivering benefit.”