What is Quantum Technology?

• • Quantum technology is a field of physics and engineering that studies and applies the principles of quantum mechanics to the development of new technologies. 
  • Quantum mechanics is the branch of physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at a microscopic scale, where the classical laws of physics do not apply.
  • Four domains of quantum technologies are:
    • Quantum communication
    • Quantum simulation
    • Quantum computation
    • Quantum sensing and metrology.
  • While the classical computer is transistor-based, quantum computers are going to work on atoms. 
  • Quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits) instead of classical bits to perform calculations. 

• Classical bits can take the value 0 or 1, allowing for a binary system to be set up and the lowest level of computer language is done manipulating these bits. A qubit on the other hand can exist as a superposition of two states 0 and 1 (a state known as quantum superposition). 

• So if one has an n-qubit number, it can exist as a superposition of 2n states. This also allows for an immense amount of parallel processing.

Potential of Quantum Technology

• The advantage of quantum computing is that it can solve problems much faster with more authenticity.
• Quantum technology offers unique security when it comes to encryption, making quantum communication hack-proof. 
• Quantum communication is one of the safest ways of connecting two places with high levels of code and quantum cryptography cannot be decrypted or broken by an external entity. If a hacker tries to crack the message in quantum communication, it changes its form in such a manner that would alert the sender and would cause the message to be altered or deleted.
• Meanwhile, quantum sensing uses the principles of quantum mechanics to develop new types of sensors with unprecedented sensitivity and accuracy. These sensors can measure physical quantities, such as temperature, magnetic fields, and gravitational waves, with higher precision than classical sensors. 
• This technology has vast utilisation in astronomy and astrophysics and in solving the riddles of the universe.

About the Mission

• Last year, the Union Cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) at a total cost of Rs.6000 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31, aiming to seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology.

Objectives

• The new mission, which will be spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology targets developing intermediate scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years in various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology. 
• The mission will help develop magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for precision timing, communications and navigation. 
• It will also support design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures and topological materials for fabrication of quantum devices. 
• Single photon sources/detectors, entangled photon sources will also be developed for quantum communications, sensing and metrological applications.
• Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) will be set up in top academic and National R&D institutes on the domains – Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices. 
• The hubs which will focus on generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research as well as promote R&D in areas that are mandated to them.

Significance

• The mission would greatly benefit communication, health, financial and energy sectors as well as drug design, and space applications. 
• It will provide a huge boost to National priorities like digital India, Make in India, Skill India and Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Challenges associated with quantum computing

• Superpositions (where a qubit is both on and off) can collapse quickly. 
• The software programming is different, and requires excellent error control and management. 
• Researchers have found it hard to maintain physically stable configurations. 
• They are huge installations which must be housed in super-cold, seismically stable places since even passing trucks can cause errors through imperceptible tremors.
• Special materials and rare helium isotopes are used to manage cooling and shielding, quite apart from specialized semiconductors.