NATO Report 2023-2043, Developments and Challenges in Next Generation Quantum Technologies
"Today's new technologies are evolving at a dizzying pace, and all of us have a role to play in developing and deploying them responsibly and ethically."
--This was the message conveyed by Under-Secretary-General Mircea Geoană at the launch of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (NATOSTO) Trends Report 2023-2043 on March 22, 2023, in Brussels.
Mr. Geoană emphasized that new technologies are not only changing the way we live and work; referring to Russia's war in Ukraine, he stressed that they are also changing the way wars are won and lost. He emphasized that NATO will continue its efforts to maintain and enhance its technological superiority through the development and adoption of new technologies, while maintaining the value-driven principle of responsible and ethical use in its approach. He also gave a preview of the report, highlighting the addition of energy and propulsion and electronics and electromagnetics to the list of disruptive technologies analyzed.
The NATO S&T Organization's Trends Report 2023-2043 updates and expands on the previously published S&T Trends 2020-2040, reflecting the large number of geopolitical, technological, and scientific developments that have taken place over the past few years. Here, Photon Box will excerpt and summarize quantum tech-related content.
Quantum mechanics originated in the early 1900s and is commonly used to describe the behavior of matter at the atomic scale (less than 10 nanometers). Quantum phenomena are the basis of modern technology, including transistors, nuclear energy, electron microscopy, superconductivity, photodetectors, and a variety of medical imaging such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. Lasers and solid-state devices also make use of quantum rules of behavior.
Modern military systems rely on classical, statistical, quantum and relativistic physics. In particular, the first quantum revolution laid the foundation for many of today's military technologies, including transistors, computer chips, lasers, and modern communications. These practical applications have transformed society and the battlefield, but recent advances present even greater opportunities. Over the past four decades, a new generation of quantum technologies has slowly emerged that are capable of producing, utilizing, and engineering the more subtle aspects of quantum phenomena. As a result, previously unimaginable technological advances are now possible.
The second quantum revolution, which is expected to have far-reaching and revolutionary effects, involves second-generation quantum technologies that are currently undergoing intense research and development. While practical applications of these effects are currently being researched and applied, there is a growing recognition that they could play a key role in larger technological revolutions, including autonomous driving, advanced manufacturing, materials science, energy storage, and next-generation quantum effects. However, developing these second-generation technologies also faces significant challenges that must be addressed before their full potential can be realized.
The second quantum revolution, often dating back to the 1980s but with no clear starting point, involves the engineering, manipulation and control of individual quantum states. These second-generation quantum technologies rely on quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement, offering the potential to revolutionize military and security capabilities. Currently, significant investment and research efforts are aimed at developing these quantum technologies with proposed applications in ultrasensitive sensors, positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), communications and information sciences. This research has already led to the development of next-generation technologies such as ultrasensitive magnetic and gravity sensors, incredibly accurate clocks, unbreakable encryption and communications, and quantum computing that can solve certain problems more efficiently than classical computing . However, the challenges of developing these technologies are enormous, and much work remains to be done to fully realize them.
Semiconductor wafers
Quantum technologies are generally categorized into three main overlapping areas:
- Quantum computing: utilizing superposition and entanglement to create quantum bits that can be used for computation. The term quantum information science may also be used, although this includes not only quantum computers, but also the development of new specialized quantum-based algorithms, programming languages, interfaces, and so on. Quantum computers are best viewed as employing specialized processors suitable for a very limited (but important) class of problems in optimization and simulation.
- Quantum communications: secure or encrypted communication methods that utilize quantum properties (e.g., entanglement) to provide intrusion detection or improved encryption. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a well-known example of this technique. Post-quantum cryptography is a separate field that uses enhanced encryption algorithms that cannot be solved by quantum computers. The quantum Internet can also be considered part of this field of research and is defined as a (theoretical) network built through entangled quantum communication networks and computers.
- Quantum sensing: the use of quantum systems, quantum properties or phenomena to measure physical quantities. The term quantum metrology is often used to distinguish sensors that make in situ measurements through quantum effects, especially in the context of measuring fundamental physical constants. For example, magnetic or gravitational field measurements for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) are an example of quantum sensing relevant to the military. For this reason, it is often suggested as a separate technology area.
Two other research areas can be identified, both of which are technology enablers for the three areas mentioned above:
- Quantum materials: these are materials whose properties can only be explained by quantum phenomena. For example, two-dimensional materials such as graphene or graphene vinyl are often referred to as quantum materials, as are quantum topological materials, whose electronic structure is different (and much more complex) than that of metals or insulators.
- Quantum optics: the application of quantum mechanics to understand and utilize the interaction of light with matter. This includes a variety of applications such as interferometry, photonics, quantum computing, communications, sensing, and more.
Unfortunately, the hype around these investments and developments has likewise continued to heat up, often conflating near-term technologies such as quantum sensing with longer-term, high-risk technologies such as quantum computing. While this hype has continued unabated over the past two years, there are signs that the reality of the long and daunting technical challenges involved is dampening enthusiasm in some areas. Others argue that the enthusiasm for quantum technology highlights a "fascinating social phenomenon" and a "classic bubble".
The development of quantum computing is driven primarily by commercial interests, while developments in quantum sensing, communications and PNT are driven by defense and security interests. The level of investment is high and growing in all countries, but the focus remains primarily on commercial applications. Collaboration between countries will help advance basic science, especially for defense applications. In terms of the long-term evolution of quantum technology, typically more than 20 years from now, quantum capabilities are expected to undergo a step change when quantum devices are able to reliably utilize entanglement (albeit with noise) across a variety of time and distance scales and when the number of entanglement logic quantum bits per device increases.
Quantum technology will not be available to us on a large scale, but sensors, communications, and computers will be staggered as their technologies evolve. If successful, these technologies will have a profound impact on military operations. While new quantum technologies have the potential to revolutionize NATO operations, most, but not all, quantum technologies are still in the early stages of development and face significant technical challenges before operational systems can be developed. The use of ultra-sensitive gravitational, magnetic or acoustic sensors would greatly enhance the effectiveness of underwater warfare capabilities, potentially making the oceans 'transparent'. Quantum radar could make stealth technology obsolete, provide more accurate target identification, and allow covert detection and surveillance. Precision clocks will enable the development of (precise) positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems for use in areas where GPS is denied or inaccessible (e.g. under ice). Unbreakable quantum key encryption will support stronger and more secure communications. Quantum computing may be the most disruptive quantum technology, enabling previously unachievable classical computing tasks in areas such as optimization, BDAA, artificial intelligence, modeling and simulation. This computational advantage could greatly improve the decision-making and operational efficiency of NATO forces and make current encryption techniques and encrypted data breakable.
Interoperability considerations will be critical to the successful implementation of certain quantum capabilities: standardization of quantum encryption and communication protocols will be a top priority.PNTs, sensors, and computation present fewer interoperability challenges because these technologies will be tightly integrated into operational capabilities, which may also lead to significant differences in operational performance among Alliance members.
Of all the Emerging Digital Technologies (EDTs), quantum technologies are the most emerging and their development is the most variable. In particular, the operational viability of novel sensors demonstrated at the laboratory level is an important area of ongoing research. It is widely recognized that quantum technologies are at a lower level of technological readiness than other quantum technologies; Precise Positioning and Timing (PNT) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) are much closer to real-world operations.
Quantum Technology Roadmap (first estimate used by industry)
Quantum computing is one of the broader challenges under the umbrella of quantum information science. Quantum Information Science (QIS) encompasses the development of quantum computers, algorithms, cryptography, programming languages, modeling, simulation, and knowledge applications. Quantum computer research focuses on quantum error correction, noise reduction, logic gates and exploring various quantum bit techniques. Photonics and semiconductor methods for room-temperature quantum computing have made great strides. Many companies and organizations are working to develop thousand-qubit systems by 2023 and million-qubit systems by 2029. Related developments include quantum machine learning research and the widespread availability of (free but limited) quantum computing resources from a number of companies.
Three stages of quantum computers
Quantum computing relies on well-established, albeit unintuitive, physics. Despite the considerable progress that has been made, the engineering challenges of quantum computing remain formidable. China, Google, IBM, and many allied countries are investing heavily in the quantum race to develop both dedicated quantum computers (e.g., optimized by quantum annealing) and general-purpose quantum computers that will give them a real and significant advantage over conventional supercomputers. In the last two years, the number of quantum bits has increased from 54 to 433, and even, next year, systems with more than 1,000 quantum bits are expected to be delivered, with plans to deliver a million quantum bits by 2030.
This is an impressive technological feat, but future designs face significant scaling, noise, crosstalk, stability and commercialization challenges. The million-qubit systems needed to solve major problems are a long way off. The investment and research challenges are enormous. Given the current economic climate, hype, and the need for an ultimate return on investment, some believe we are at risk of a "quantum winter". In addition, the hype about quantum is not necessarily conducive to research that expands our understanding of the quantum domain.
Quantum computing research is primarily driven by commercial interests. While special-purpose quantum computing devices may be available in the medium term, it may be a long time before a truly general-purpose, general-purpose quantum computer for a range of NATO problems can be developed and commercialized: however, some experts estimate that such a quantum computer could be built within the next 15 to 50 years. In the medium term, the development of new quantum optimization algorithms and M&S for defense problems could be applied to special and limited data or BDAA problems. One possible way to increase the short-term utility of quantum computers is to focus on the use of noise-containing intermediate-scale quantum devices (NISQ).
However, new approaches such as nitrogen vacancies or photonic systems promise to be larger and more stable systems than ion trap or superconducting quantum bit approaches. Even if there is a "quantum winter," quantum computers may eventually be developed and put into practical use, although it may take longer than the expected decade. Whether quantum computing will go the way of fusion for energy production remains to be determined; in the meantime, disappointment is likely as the limitations of quantum computing systems and the limited subset of problems/algorithms that can be successfully applied to quantum computing become apparent. Even the challenge of applying current methods to materials modeling, a role for which such systems were originally proposed, has been disappointing so far. It is important to note, therefore, that investment in quantum computers is by no means a substitute for investment in traditional supercomputing technologies. It is even likely that for quantum computing to be successful, it will need to be used as a specialized coprocessor in a supercomputer system.
Regardless, quantum computing holds the promise of incredible transformations for science itself. Quantum simulations can accurately model multi-body systems at the atomic level and can predict material behavior from first principles. With this ability, it is straightforward to design and create new materials with specific desired physical properties, such as superhard armor, superconductivity, and high-temperature tolerance. Similarly, the potential applications of quantum computing in AI/ML will enable and enhance new quantum ML (QML) algorithms.
In contrast to quantum computers, quantum communications are evolving at a phenomenal rate in a short period of time. Practical demonstrations of important terrestrial and space-based systems have emerged and the technical challenges appear surmountable. This holds promise for the development of highly secure global communications. Some (e.g., the U.S. Department of Defense) argue that there is no need to develop quantum communications technology because there are reliable, well-understood methods for securing communications even in the post-quantum computing era. The next generation of post-quantum cryptography already exists and is only awaiting validation (e.g., to ensure that classical and quantum methods are unbreakable), standardization, and widespread implementation. Moreover, given their limitations and costs, quantum communication networks will augment rather than replace existing networks.
The development of the quantum Internet is promising. However, it has also been described as a solution to a problem that no one has asked to be solved and is of little value for most Internet communications. The Quantum Internet promises to utilize quantum computers and communication networks to create an ultra-fast, highly secure Internet to meet the big data challenges of the next 20 years. Essentially, this would not only enable communication of quantum computing outputs, but also real-time updates of still-entangled quantum bits. As this relies heavily on quantum computing, developing a quantum internet is not a slam dunk.
Quantum communications and cryptography (often considered a subfield of quantum information services) utilizes a number of techniques to enable ultra-secure communications (e.g., intrusion detection and low interception probability). Increasingly mature techniques include QKD (quantum key distribution) and quantum random number generators (QRNG). The use of these and other related technologies will ultimately enable a secure quantum Internet. Post-quantum encryption methods, such as superstar homology Diffie-Hellman key exchange (SIDH), hold the promise of establishing secret keys between parties over insecure communication channels. Advances in quantum communications are critical to the development of effective 6G technologies.
Quantum communication capability (for ultra-secure channels) is an important area of research, but it is often driven by strong commercial and intelligence interests; eavesdroppers on communication channels can be detected using recent quantum communication techniques. Further developments in quantum key distribution (QKD) and post-quantum encryption options will provide the Alliance with superior cryptographic capabilities. In the medium term, investment should focus on quantum optical communications to improve anti-eavesdropping capabilities and defense against jamming, enabling the Alliance to understand vulnerabilities and opportunities. In the long term, a worldwide quantum entanglement distribution system should be developed to support secure communications and other advanced QT applications.
China, in particular, has taken a leadership role in the development of quantum communications. For example, Chinese scientists have established the world's first integrated quantum communications network, combining more than 700 terrestrial fibers with two ground-to-satellite links to enable quantum key distribution over a total distance of 4,600 kilometers for users across the country.
China in particular has taken a leadership role in developing quantum communications. For example, Chinese scientists have established the world's first integrated quantum communications network, combining more than 700 terrestrial fibers with two ground-to-satellite links to enable quantum key distribution over a total distance of 4,600 km for users across the country.
Examples of quantum sensors are:
- Atomic clocks: positioning, navigation, timing, networking and metrology;
- Atomic interferometers: gravimeters and accelerometers;
- Optical magnetometers: biosciences, earth sciences, anti-ship missiles and navigation;
- Quantum optics: local and remote sensing, networking, basic science;
- Atomic electric field sensors: GHz-THz radiation detection.
Quantum sensors utilize quantum systems, quantum properties, or quantum phenomena to measure physical properties with ultra-high precision and sensitivity. Such sensors include superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, atomic clocks, atomic vapors, nitrogen hole magnetometers, atomic interferometry, spin quantum bits, trapped ion and flux quantum bits, and fiber Bragg scattering. Of all the areas of quantum technology, quantum sensors have the most recent applications.
Some application areas include all-weather, day and night tactical sensing for Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), and strategic (long-range maritime, air, and space) surveillance. These systems will enhance anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities and support the development of hitherto impractical low-power, high-sensitivity airborne and space-based sensors. In addition, quantum sensors offer greater immunity to jamming.
Quantum sensors are a broad class of instruments used for a variety of specific physical measurements or applications, including gravity and inertial forces, photonics (visible and infrared), radio frequency, electric field, magnetic field strength, acoustics, stress, pressure, and temperature (e.g., via Bragg fiber). The maturity of a sensor depends on the type of sensor and the overall sensor system. Individual sensors are more advanced than sensor arrays; complex data inversion problems and associated computational costs (e.g., gravity) also challenge imaging techniques. Notable application areas are:
- Electromagnetic sensing: the Center for Marine Research and Experimentation (CMRE) at STO, with funding from NATO's Allied Command Transformation (ACT), has conducted preliminary research and investigations into the application of the latest generation of quantum magnetic sensors in anti-submarine warfare (ASW). One of the research outcomes was the selection of three new quantum magnetic sensors for ASW applications because of their unique SWaP-C advantages and higher sensitivity. Such sensors can be readily deployed on small unmanned surface vehicles (UAVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), or portable undersea sensors on the surface of the sea as a network for detecting magnetic objects such as submarines.
- Gravity measurements: The current technological maturity (sensitivity, lightness, ruggedness and compactness) of gravity measurement sensors does not allow their use on mobile platforms. However, atomic interferometry methods hold great promise. Gravity sensors will be most useful in supporting navigation (via gravity maps) and mapping underground structures (tunnels, urban infrastructure).
- Imaging: research into imaging using quantum illumination is still in the early stages of development.
- LIDAR: A recently completed technology watch on quantum LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) noted that different aspects are maturing on different time scales, some of which can be utilized immediately. In contrast, other aspects will take decades to move out of the laboratory. Therefore, it was concluded that quantum LIDAR is a desirable long-term target for sensing capabilities, although the technology being developed may have short-term benefits for national defense. However, quantum lidar utilizing quantum entanglement is a major technical challenge.
- Radar: quantum radar would be many times more sensitive than existing systems. However, given current operational constraints and technical challenges, quantum radar has limited value for defense and security. Nevertheless, it is an area of sensor development that lends itself to further exploration.
- Vector imaging: recent developments have stimulated interest in highly sensitive vector magnets for full tensor gradient sensors. There are many potential applications for such sensors, such as magnetic anomaly detection, anti-submarine warfare, IED detection, magnetic navigation and underground service system mapping.
- Naval Mine Detection: The combination of quantum sensors and quantum PNTs is expected to improve detection of naval mines.
- Quantum Remote Sensing: Quantum remote sensing (e.g., quantum radar) has the potential to make stealth technology obsolete, provide more accurate target identification, and allow for covert detection and surveillance. There are two known approaches to quantum-enhanced remote sensing technology: quantum interferometry and quantum illumination. Both methods rely on using entangled photons and retaining half of the entangled photon pair while sending the other half out (in a known direction) to interact with the environment. These sensors will enable more accurate and sensitive measurements and lower power consumption for applications such as detecting and tracking small stealth targets. Development will rely on a number of quantum engineering capabilities, such as the controlled generation of separate pairs of entangled photons, the ability to retain one photon from each pair individually, and the ability to detect returning photons for comparison with inert photons.
- Magnetic and Gravity Sensing: maritime patrol aircraft use MAD (Magnetic Anomaly Detection) sensors to make precise magnetic field measurements to determine the location of submarines. Current sensors are not suitable for small UAVs due to size, weight and power limitations, but emerging quantum technologies may offer a solution. Quantum technology could also be used for some specialized applications of gravity sensing, such as detecting underground structures (tunnels, bunkers) from airborne platforms for specialized surveillance applications.
A particularly interesting application is the development of PNT systems. Quantum PNT describes how quantum sensing can be utilized to support precision navigation and precision timing in environments where GNSS is not used. It also includes a variety of ultra-precision timing methods (e.g., femtosecond precision), which are important for communications and scientific and technological development. It is important for communications and scientific and technological development.
The PNT market size is expected to reach $200 million by 2024.
Development continues, but the key SWaP-C challenges are paramount, especially since they will provide UxV operations and navigation systems for large mobile military systems. Significant progress has been made in developing deployable systems, with early systems being fielded by the Office of Naval Research and others.
Quantum PNT will be an important application area for NATO quantum sensors. This effect supports the development of very fine precision instruments for PNT. In addition, PNT technology will support operations in GNSS deprivation or other challenging operational environments (e.g., long-duration autonomous submarine operations under ice). Challenges to the development of quantum PNTs are miniaturization, ruggedness, power, and weight, i.e., SWaP-C. Quantum PNTs are an area of potential near-term impact on defense and security capabilities, and noteworthy developments are:
- Navigation systems will become a critical element for operations in a GNSS-deprived environment. Near- to mid-term quantum navigation systems will make rack-mounted units suitable for large mobile military systems (e.g., large warships).
- Atomic clocks were demonstrated in the laboratory a decade ago, but the challenge is to produce miniature devices that can be integrated into existing systems. Low-power, lightweight and ultra-stable systems are being developed to support UxV operations.
- Quantum accelerometers for inertial navigation will be an order of magnitude higher than conventional piezoelectric (IEPE/ICP) accelerometers.
- Interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes (IFGOS) are more powerful and portable than cold atom gyroscopes.
- Gravimeters and gravity gradiometers based on atomic interferometry enable airborne tunnel detection, nuclear material identification, gravity-aided navigation and geodesy.
The TRL level for quantum sensing is still very low; however, several enabling technologies are being rapidly developed and may be available to meet the NATO ISR challenge in the medium term. Improved sensors can be used to map georeferenced global gravity and magnetic anomalies. Recent targeted investments in QT gravity, magnetic, and electromagnetic wave sensors could demonstrate new military capabilities in tunnel surveying, magnetic anomaly detection, and electromagnetic sensing. In the medium term, better QT sensors will enable these capabilities to be deployed in more challenging military environments, such as space. In the long term, utilizing entangled distribution networks, distributed sensors could be thousands of times more accurate than they are today. For some applications (GNSS denial of navigation, missile guidance), an order of magnitude performance improvement is necessary, but achieving this TRL 8 goal is expected to take 5-10 years.
On a practical level, D3TX demonstrated the limited use of quantum sensor technology cards for four-wheeled games. While few people chose quantum sensors, the group that did recognized the advantages of quantum sensors for their sensitivity, accuracy, and safety. However, the challenges of robustness and scalability of current quantum sensor technology in covering multitasking roles were also recognized.
Next-generation quantum technologies also have many applications in the defense sector.
Quantum technology for the future battlefield
The development of quantum internet will enable ultra-secure strategic communications and secure sharing of quantum computing resources. In turn, this will enable better strategic assessments and geostrategic responses (e.g., using quantum game theory and improved modeling and readiness).
Quantum computing could provide better optimization and AI/AI support during the readiness phase. In addition, space and ground-based quantum sensors will improve battlefield data collection and intelligence readiness. Quantum computing could also provide better optimization and AI/AI support for the sustainment phase, especially for optimizing logistical support. In addition, improved embedded quantum sensors will support improved maintenance and development of digital twins.
Highly sensitive quantum sensors and communications will improve kill chain effectiveness by supporting multi-domain targeting and low-observable communications with weapon systems. Quantum PNTs will support operations and targeting in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-deficient environments and improve accuracy. Quantum neural networks will improve the effectiveness of weapons systems and self-driving vehicles. The use of quantum gravity and magnetic field anomaly detectors could be extremely disruptive to anti-submarine warfare and underground warfare.
Quantum computation and simulation could support the development of design materials that are lighter in weight, stronger, and have better ballistic, energetic, and chemical/biological defense properties.
Quantum computers are expected to provide better computational power for specific classes of analytical problems (e.g., optimization and simulation) beyond the theoretical limits of classical design computers. This leap in computational power will make methods of encrypting and decrypting ciphers so complex that current encryption methods will become obsolete. In addition, complex and fast M&S will enable sophisticated operational and organizational decisions, the development of hitherto undiscovered new approaches to materials and biotechnology, and next-generation artificial intelligence (e.g., quantum neural networks for target and image recognition problems).
Quantum sensors will be many times more sensitive than existing systems. This will aid in the development of anti-stealth and concealment radars; magnetic, acoustic and gravity sensors that will greatly enhance anti-submarine capabilities; and low-power, high-sensitivity airborne and spaced sensors that have been impractical to date. Some application examples include all-weather, day/night tactical (battlefield, etc.) sensing (short-range, active/passive, covert, using EO/IR/THz/RF frequencies) for ISTAR, and strategic (long-range maritime, airspace, space) surveillance (active, RF).
Quantum effects support the development of very sensitive precision instruments for PNT. This PNT technology will enable operations in GPS failures or difficult operational environments (e.g., long-duration autonomous submarine operations under ice). In the short to medium term, rack-mounted units suitable for use on large mobile military systems (e.g., ships) will be introduced.
In the period 2023-2043, the main threat comes from close competitors, especially given the high mathematical complexity and R&D investments required. In addition, the loss of useful encryption methods, the loss of air and underwater stealth capabilities, and the potential security implications of the RED analytical/decision-making advantages that quantum computing may bring will pose challenges to the Alliance's operations.
Next-generation quantum technologies will present significant interoperability challenges, driven in large part by differing investment rates and national security considerations, as sensing and communications capabilities are likely to increase dramatically.
So what does quantum mean for the development of related scientific fields, or how does it synergize with these NATO S&T priorities? -Next-generation quantum systems are expected to be particularly effective as they provide greater computational power, support for novel algorithms, better sharing of information resources, more secure communications, and greater precision and accuracy.
1) Data
The development of next-generation quantum technology will directly impact the outcomes of data R&D, as it can provide faster specialized processing supported by more accurate and richer data. In addition, quantum computing will drive the development of data storage. In contrast, quantum communications (and quantum networks) are recognized as a potentially critical aspect of wireless communications technology for 6G and beyond .
2) Artificial Intelligence
Many problems in machine learning can be described in terms of optimization. Quantum computers are well suited to solving such problems and will therefore contribute to improved training and development of AI/machine learning systems. In addition, improved quantum sensing technologies (e.g., quantum LiDaR) will provide more accurate data such as location and time.
3) RAS
As quantum technologies will support AI developments, these developments will support increasingly complex UxVs AI. Quantum computers are well suited to solving such problems and will therefore contribute to improved training and development of UxV AI/ML systems. In addition, improved quantum sensing technologies (e.g., quantum LiDaR) will provide more accurate data such as location and time.
4) Space Technology
Space technology will be impacted in three key ways. First, new materials designed based on direct quantum simulations and analysis will likely become stronger, lighter, more flexible, and more resilient. This, in turn, may support the development of new launch systems or more energy-efficient orbital vehicles. Second, the much greater sensitivity of quantum sensors will improve space-based data collection, including increased use of passive sensors. Finally, requirements for space-based quantum communications (already proven) will improve the security of inter-satellite communications and increase the need for additional space-based communications systems that support the quantum Internet.
5) Hypersonic
Hypersonic technology will be largely influenced by the potential development of quantum-engineered customized materials that are designed to be more crash-resistant, stronger, lighter, more flexible, and more resilient. In addition, quantum computing could support more accurate airflow modeling, thereby increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of hypersonic systems.
6) Energy
Quantum computing and the simulations and modeling it supports can be used to design new and improved battery materials and fuel chemistry. Quantum computing can also support modeling and simulation of nuclear fusion or novel energy solutions, thereby increasing the likelihood of disruptive technological breakthroughs.
7) E&EM
Quantum computing and the simulations and modeling it supports can be used to design new and improved electronics and related materials.
8) Materials
As mentioned above, the use of quantum simulations to support the development of customized materials has the potential to have a huge disruptive impact, whether for space, hypersonic systems, energy or electronics. In addition, the use of non-invasive or minimally invasive quantum sensors will improve our understanding of material properties and behavior.
9) BHET
Quantum computing will greatly advance the understanding of biological processes such as protein folding. In addition, non-invasive or minimally invasive quantum sensors will improve our ability to understand and monitor biological processes.
Envisioning Applications of Quantum Technologies
Quantum technologies are now the subject of considerable research by several STO scientific and technical committees. Many groups are conducting activities on several topics related to these technologies. The following are some of the ongoing activities:
Keywords related to quantum technology (QT) derived from the analysis
Overall, despite the many hurdles ahead, quantum solutions can generate significant revenues over the next decade. They could even provide value before device optimization occurs, as researchers may find many interim uses for currently available solutions: for example, quantum communications could provide secure Internet connectivity between certain cities, with broader connectivity coming later. New use cases may also emerge as the technology advances, such as financial systems that rely on quantum-secure currencies.
Quantum computing could spark a technological revolution, but commercialization remains a distant prospect. What is certain, however, is that for quantum technology players, long-term success will depend on the strategies they develop now.
Reference links:
[1]https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_213088.htm
[2]https://qt.eu/applications/quantum-optical-metrology-imaging-and-sensing
[3]https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/industrials-and-electronics/our-insights/shaping-the-long-race-in-quantum-communication-and -quantum-sensing
