Quickly moving towards practical quantum sensing technology
2024-10-14
In August of this year, Boeing completed the world's first "multi quantum sensor" flight test, allowing aircraft to fly without using GPS satellite navigation. This has brought quantum navigation based on quantum sensing technology into the public eye. Industry insiders point out that quantum sensing technology is rapidly becoming the forefront of global technological innovation due to its advantages in improving accuracy and reliability, bringing revolutionary changes in multiple fields such as precision navigation and industrial measurement, and becoming a focus of research and development applications in various countries. So, what is quantum sensing technology and what is its principle? What are the prospects for its development and application? The application of quantum technology for navigation without the need for satellites is not only familiar with quantum computing and quantum communication, but also quantum sensing - using quantum systems, quantum properties, or quantum phenomena to measure physical quantities. Magnetic or gravity field measurements used for positioning, navigation, and timing are examples of applications of quantum sensing technology. Regarding the principle of using quantum sensing for measurement and navigation, Professor Sun Fangwen from the School of Physics at the University of Science and Technology of China said, "The external environment such as electric and magnetic fields can change the quantum state. By measuring the changed quantum state, we can deduce physical quantities such as length, mass, and time. Quantum navigation is achieved by using some unique maps in conjunction with specific sensors to implement navigation applications. The magnetic field and gravitational acceleration vary from place to place. In theory, we can draw magnetic field maps and gravitational acceleration maps, and use different quantum sensors to measure them to achieve quantum navigation." In the Boeing "Multi Quantum Sensor" flight test, the quantum magnetometer was developed by "Sandbox" artificial intelligence and quantum technology company (referred to as "Sandbox" company). Development. The company announced that it will further develop its AQNav magnetic navigation system. According to Eric Schmidt, Chairman of Sandbox and former CEO of Google, the system relies on sensitive quantum magnetometers to collect data from the geomagnetic field. The geomagnetic field exhibits a geographically unique pattern, similar to human fingerprints. The system then uses artificial intelligence algorithms to compare crustal patterns with known magnetic field maps, accurately and quickly determining platform positions. In the new round of international competition, the importance of quantum sensing technology is self-evident, and the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and Japan have all included it in their national strategies. Quantum sensing technology is highly related to national defense and security interests, and the research and development in this field can see the deep involvement of European and American defense, aerospace, and other institutions. At the same time, multiple private enterprises are commercializing quantum sensing technology and achieving results. In May of this year, the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology announced that a research and development team consisting of quantum technology company Infleqtion, QinetiQ Research Laboratory, and defense giant Beiyi Systems had successfully demonstrated a quantum based inertial navigation system on an aircraft. This is the world's first publicly displayed flight demonstration of such technology, marking an important step towards the practical application of quantum navigation technology. This test is part of Task 4 of the UK's National Quantum Strategy, which aims to deploy quantum navigation systems on airplanes by 2030. In 2023, the British Navy successfully conducted a quantum navigation system test, which enables a ship to know its precise location anywhere in the world without GPS. Industry insiders have stated that among various applications of quantum technology, quantum sensors are currently the closest to practical use and are also a goal that major countries are competing to research. This provides inspiration and reflection for China's industrial research and development of quantum sensing technology. China has demonstrated strong innovation capabilities and development potential in the global technology competition. In recent years, China has made significant progress in the accuracy and application breadth of quantum sensing: it has achieved independent research and development of high-precision atomic clocks, becoming one of the few countries in the world that can independently develop and manufacture atomic clocks; The main performance parameters of the independently developed atomic gravimeter are internationally leading; We have also completed the prototype development of quantum radar. The State Council previously issued the "Metrology Development Plan (2021-2035)", which proposed to "focus on the research of integrated technology for quantum precision measurement and sensor device preparation, as well as quantum sensing measurement technology", and repeatedly mentioned the importance of research on quantum sensing technology. At present, the research and development of quantum sensors in China is mainly focused on large national institutions, universities, etc. When talking about how to accelerate the implementation and application of quantum sensing through the integration of industry, academia, and research, Sun Fangwen said, "Quantum sensing has a long way to go from the laboratory stage to the application stage and then to industrialization. Each link should play to its own advantages and cooperate with each other to make efforts. Leading research institutes should focus more on basic research, which must be self reliant and there are no shortcuts. Industry associations and engineering colleges can closely monitor how basic research results are combined with industry and teaching practices, actively propose cooperation needs to leading units, and truly improve the speed from laboratory to application landing. Finally, the industry should increase efforts to accelerate the productization of applications that can be implemented and push them to the market." Zhao Bowen, Chairman of Anhui Guosheng Quantum Technology Co., Ltd. It is believed that, Quantum sensing technology has broad development potential. In terms of implementation, the first step should be to further promote the development of quantum sensing products towards miniaturization and integration, so that quantum sensing technology can be applied to more scenarios; Secondly, we can focus on producing specialized quantum sensing products according to the specific needs of the industry; Finally, with the continuous improvement of domestic industrial precision, it is necessary to do a good job in product iteration, adapt to and serve the development of new quality productivity. (New Society)
Edit：Yao Jue Responsible editor：Xie Tunan
Source：XinHuaNet
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