Quantum technology developments are creating opportunities for increased sensing sensitivity, extra secure communications, and high-speed computing. IDTechEx‘s portfolio of Quantum Technologies Research Reports covers quantum sensors, communications, and computing, with in-depth forecasts and extensive market research.

 

Sensitive sensing

 

Quantum sensors can acquire data and measurements on a scale much smaller than with regular sensors, and have a sensitivity like no other sensing technologies. Light, current, electric and magnetic fields, time, and motion are some of the main variables that quantum sensors can be used to measure.

 

The quantum sensors that measure time include alkali atomic clocks, optical atomic clocks, and chip-scale atomic clocks, while some emerging quantum magnetic field sensors include NV diamond magnetometers (NVMs), optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), and superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). Gravimeters, inertial quantum sensors, quantum RF sensors, and single photon detectors are some other sensor types covered by IDTechEx in their report, “Quantum Sensors Market 2026-2046: Technology, Trends, Players, Forecasts“. The report also covers the main developments expected within the market over the next two decades, and some of the applications in use today.

 

Authentication and communication

 

Fundamentally secure communications are becoming more of a possibility than ever with quantum communication technology. Quantum random number generators on the chip scale have been installed into consumer devices to offer unmatched levels of randomness for authentication and encryption, so users can trust their devices.

 

Smartphones benefit from quantum random number generator technology, running like small computers with their ability to access and store information. Quantum key distribution is a secure communication protocol that cannot be eavesdropped on, even by quantum computers, creating a brand-new level of security and reliability. Data centers could also use quantum networks for security, as with the rise of advanced quantum computers comes the potential for security breaches, especially as this technology advances further. IDTechEx’s report, “Quantum Communication Market 2024-2034: Technology, Trends, Players, Forecasts” explores this technology in greater detail and provides forecasts spanning the next decade.

 

World map depicting a funding landscape of quantum technology.

Figure 1. Global Quantum Technology Funding Landscape. Source: IDTechEx.

 

High-value computational abilities

 

Certain computing problems could be solved much faster with quantum computing when compared to the length of time it would take a classical computer. This possibility therefore acts as a driving force behind ongoing advancements and developments within the industry. Aerospace, automotive, chemical, and finance, are all industries that could benefit from quantum computing, as they present optimization and simulation problems with many different variables, that require new technologies in order to make new advancements.

 

The number of qubits can determine the capability of a quantum computer to solve complex problems in less time. A logical qubit is described as a group of individual qubits that work together to eradicate any errors made in the computing process. Due to the high value that can be attained with a higher number of logical qubits, there is a high level of competition between companies within the sector to achieve the largest qubit count. Other benchmarks within quantum computing that companies will want to succeed in achieving include speed and quantum volume, as a successful quantum computer will be a very high value asset. IDTechEx’s report, “Quantum Computing Market 2026-2046: Technology, Trends, Players, Forecasts“, covers the main companies within the industry and the major developments expected to be seen over the next two decades. Despite the scope within this sector, some quantum sensing and communication technologies are currently more mature than quantum computing technologies, and have real-world applications and products available today.

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