Quantum in the UK

Quantum technologies are not just a development, but a step-change to a healthier, wealthier and globally competitive UK. They represent a key part of the digital backbone needed for future prosperity, security and resilience.

Similar assessments have been made by most developed economies on their own behalf. This has led to widespread government initiatives around the world to develop quantum-enabled products and services in an increasingly competitive race.

It is not enough to be simply ready to receive quantum technologies. Their impact is going to be so profound and so integral to the security, defence and resilience of nations that no reliance can be put on developments in competitor countries being shared or available. It is crucial, therefore, to develop our own capabilities.

Quantum technologies are developments based on controlling nature at the molecular level of atoms, photons, electrons and condensed matter. It is the world not explained by Newton’s laws of motion, thermodynamics or Maxwell’s equations of electromagnetism.

Earlier understanding gave us laser and transistors in the twentieth century. Now scientists and engineers are able to increasingly control and exploit what are known as ‘quantum effects’ for the new quantum era. These include:

‍Superposition: the ability of particles to be in two or more states at once.
‍Entanglement: the phenomenon that means particles interact even when separated by large distances.
‍Uncertainty: that it is impossible to measure particle position and momentum at the same time.

The result of this scientific know-how is what is opening the door to a new wave of commercial advances. For example, potentially allowing pharmaceutical companies to identify, screen and simulate new drugs in a fraction of the cost and time currently needed.

The NQTP is delivering projects to different timelines. Those close to commercial viability include:

‍A more precise and ground-based atomic clock that will reduce dependence on global navigation satellite systems, which are vulnerable to malicious and accidental disruption. Precise and secure time keeping is crucial to critical infrastructure services, such as energy supply, safe transport links, 5G mobile communications, data networks, health care and electronic financial transactions. It is estimated that the impact on the UK of a 5-day satellite outage would be £5.2 billion.

‍A new type of wearable brain scanner that allows people to move freely whilst being scanned. This is already now in early real-world use, giving an unprecedented window on brain function and new hope to people suffering from neurological illnesses, such as epilepsy. It also means an option to scan babies and young children for neurological disorders for the first time, allowing for earlier diagnosis.

‍A revolutionary gravity sensor that detects hidden structures such as pipes, sinkholes and drainage systems accurately, building a 3D map from the density of material around it. This will significantly cut costs and delays for road works, construction and rail repairs. Exploration and national defence capabilities will also be reshaped as hidden structures and nature can be revealed.

‍A quantum gas imaging camera to monitor for methane gas, the second greatest greenhouse gas contributor to climate change when not burned off or captured by the oil, gas and fracking industries. Detectors use quantum principles to extend accessibility and sensitivity to non-visible wavelengths of infrared and ultraviolet.