Quantum technology is going to change computing, sensing and communication forever.
For quantum technology to achieve the transformational benefits it promises, it needs to be applied in just the right places in just the right way.
We can help you with that.
We can bring clarity to the perplexing world of the single qubit, quantum circuits, quantum cloud computing, quantized energy levels, the quantum algorithm and much more.
And we can identify the near, mid and long-term commercial applications of quantum computing, sensing and communication.
So, the most important question about quantum technology is this one.
How will it change your world?
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Quantum computing is built on the principle of quantum superposition. While in classical computing each bit is set to either zero or one, each qubit of a quantum computer can be set to zero and one at the same time.
What is a qubit?
A qubit, or quantum bit, refers to the basic unit of information and also the physical object that stores the information. Unlike a classical bit, the fact that each qubit of a quantum computer can be set to zero and one at the same time is counterintuitive. But it is true, and it opens up radically quicker approaches to computation that requires complex, parallel, processing of information. Potential quantum computing applications include artificial intelligence (AI), better batteries, drug development, cyber security and materials discovery.
But quantum computers work very differently to classical computers. They need new development tools, ways of loading data, of running algorithms. Realising the benefits of quantum computing in business will not be simple.
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Quantum communication will transform information security. Existing information security is based on the transmission of encrypted messages that can only be read by someone who has the right key to decrypt the message into plaintext. Getting the key to the message recipient without anyone else intercepting it has long been a core challenge in information security. Quantum communication, through the process of quantum key distribution (QKD), allows for information security that is guaranteed.
How does QKD work?
At quantum scale, the act of observation changes the state of whatever is being observed. So, if a hacker was to intercept a quantum key, that key would change and it would immediately be obvious to the sender and recipient that it had been compromised. Security is guaranteed by the physics and, in principle at least, quantum-resistant communication is possible. But putting the physics to work is hard. The absolute security guarantee available in principle isn’t easy to realise in practice. QKD over a kilometre or two is relatively straightforward. But QKD at the scale needed in practical information systems is much tougher and developing the quantum hardware to enable it is a challenge. -
The transformative promise of quantum computing comes with a significant challenge. The seismic technology shift will render a good part of current cryptographic standards meaningless. Specifically, that means the key establishment mechanisms and authentication methods that have a sizable impact on our current security ecosystem.
So how do we future proof systems and embed post-quantum cryptography (PQC) into a new generation of innovation? Solutions will be found in post-quantum cryptography, an important new technology which is the topic of heavy research. Its premise is to write algorithms capable of running on classical hardware that are secure against the computations possible in quantum computers. -
Quantum sensing will transform what can be measured. By exploiting sub-atomic behaviour, quantum sensing offers, in principle, a level of performance that could be ten, a hundred or even a thousand times better than what is available from other technologies. Imagine a radar, lidar, gravimeter or magnetometer that’s a thousand times more sensitive than anything you could buy today. Many new applications in medical technology, manufacturing, energy and navigation are immediately opened up.
But enabling these quantum sensing applications requires a level of performance is difficult to achieve. Making sure that a quantum sensor is shielded from everything except the thing that you’re trying to measure is a key challenge. Taking a quantum sensor from the laboratory bench and into the real world needs a combination of quantum understanding and engineering realism.
Making quantum technology happen
The multidisciplinary team at CC is on the case. Our scientists and engineers are researching practical applications of quantum technology within our own purpose-built labs, pushing boundaries well beyond conventional, classical approaches.
We are determined to dispel the mystery of quantum and help to redefine the state of the art. CC is a place where the unusual physics of quantum mechanics meets practical engineering and technology development. And where the impossible starts to become possible.
Quantum technology is seriously demanding. Fundamental particles are manipulated using magnetic fields while isolated from the surrounding environment – a challenging task to replicate outside the lab in robust, practical, cost-effective systems. Whole new development approaches are required to specify, develop and test quantum systems.
But perhaps the biggest hurdle is that the weird physics can feel utterly alien. Quantum phenomena are counterintuitive to anything else in science or engineering. We are essentially dealing with teleportation, with particles existing in two places at the same time. A new wave of experts, with deep insight into physics, computer science and material science, is rising to the challenge. Quantum is happening.
We have a deep understanding of quantum technology. We know what it will take to mature a laboratory demonstration into real-world impact. We’ve built that knowledge through hard-won practical experience in our own laboratories and in the work we do for our clients. We can tell you whether quantum technology will change your world, when it will happen, how it will happen and, most of all, make it real for you. We make quantum technology happen.
Contact our quantum experts
Our insights
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