I was privileged to visit the 2023 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. I also had the chance to lead the What's Hot at MWC tour. In my MWC tour review, I wrote about the vendor stops on tour, and as a relatively geeky guy, one of the stops that fascinated me was the Quantum Space.
In 2018, the European Union allocated 1 billion Euros to help promote quantum technologies; thus, the Quantum Flagship was born. Quantum Flagship's booth at MWC was The Quantum Space. The Quantum Space booth represented many companies covering each of the three pillars of quantum technologies:
1) Quantum computing
2) Quantum sensing
3) Quantum communications
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is a field studying the use of quantum-mechanical phenomena, like superposition and entanglement, to perform computations. Unlike classical computers, which represent information as bits that can take on only two values (0 or 1), quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which take on a range of values between 0 and 1 simultaneously. As a result, qubits enable quantum computers to perform computations much faster than classical computers.
Quantum computing will revolutionize fields like cryptography, optimization, and materials science. For example, quantum computers efficiently solve problems intractable for classical computers, like factoring large numbers and simulating complex quantum systems. Yet, despite its promise, quantum computing is still in its infancy. Moreover, building a quantum computer is highly challenging, as qubits are very fragile and susceptible to noise and other disturbances. From the Quantum Space booth, Qilimanjaro focuses on advancing quantum computing.
Quantum Sensing
Quantum sensing is a field studying the use of quantum-mechanical phenomena, like spin and coherence, to measure physical quantities like magnetic fields, electric fields, and temperature. Unlike classical sensors, which rely on classical physics, quantum sensors achieve much higher precision and sensitivity by exploiting quantum coherence and entanglement.
Quantum sensors cover many applications in fields like medicine, geology, and defense. For example, quantum sensors can detect small changes in magnetic fields, helping diagnose medical conditions like brain tumors and heart disease. In addition, quantum sensors can detect underground minerals, oil reserves, submarines, and other stealthy objects.
Like quantum computing, quantum sensing is in its early stages, and significant research is happening to develop robust and scalable quantum sensors. However, the benefits of quantum sensing are vast, and many companies and research institutions invest in its development. From the Quantum Space tour stop, Qnami focuses on quantum sensing and has a diamond quantum-sensor-based microscope.
Quantum Communications
Quantum communications is a field studying the use of quantum-mechanical phenomena, like entanglement and superposition, to transmit information securely over long distances. Unlike classical communication systems, which are vulnerable to eavesdropping and hacking, quantum communication systems use quantum-mechanical properties to ensure the privacy and security of transmitted information.
Quantum communication will transform fields like finance, defense, and healthcare by enabling secure and private communication over long distances. For example, quantum communication can securely transmit financial transactions between banks, military communications between command centers, and medical records between hospitals.
Several subfields come out of quantum communications. One subfield is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). QKD uses entangled or single photons to generate and share secret keys between two parties used for encryption and decryption. Companies like LuxQuanta use Quantum Key Distribution systems to distribute cryptographic keys with the highest level of security.
Future Quantumania
Quantum technologies promise to transform how we compute, sense, and communicate. Although these technologies are in their early stages, recent years have shown significant progress. As a result, many companies and research institutions invest heavily in quantum development. As quantum technologies mature, the revolution in diverse fields like finance, medicine, and defense grows. Quantum tech also unlocks new frontiers in science and technology. Please take a moment to learn more about quantum technologies and how they are used to solve problems at the links below.
1) Quantum Flagship
2) ICFO
Chris Reece, Technologist, Award Solutions, Inc.
Chris Reece works with leading global service providers, transforming networks and empowering individuals in 5G, Virtualization/Containerization, and Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence. Service providers rely on Chris to paint both the big picture and the business impact of technology and appreciate his enthusiasm for getting into deep, detailed discussions when needed. You may have seen Chris on Award Solutions' YouTube Channel. In addition, Chris is featured at leading telecom conferences worldwide, including MWC, and in publications like IEEE Spectrum and DZONE.
Chris holds a master's degree in Computer Science Telecommunications from the University of Missouri at Kansas City and a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Cameron University. He also holds four patents in wireless technologies.