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GCRI · Technologies quantiques

Détection quantique

Quantum sensors use the sensitivity of quantum states to measure time, magnetic fields, gravity, acceleration and rotation with high precision. Atomic clocks already underpin navigation and networks; newer sensors could support navigation without satellites, medical imaging and underground mapping. This page sets out how quantum sensing works, how mature each application is, and what evidence serves the agencies and industries considering it.

02La question

Quantum sensing: how the risk develops.

Measurement, navigation and Earth-science applications. The dossier below sets out how the risk develops, what is measured, where the data come from, how it is modelled and who decides.

Mécanisme

Atoms keep precise time

Atomic clocks use transitions between atomic energy levels as frequency references. They underpin satellite navigation, telecommunications and financial timestamps.

Mécanisme

Interference measures motion and gravity

Atom interferometers split and recombine matter waves to measure acceleration, rotation and gravity, with potential for navigation and subsurface mapping.

Mécanisme

Defects sense magnetic fields

Defects in diamond and other systèmes sense tiny magnetic fields at small scales, with uses in materials science and biology.

Mécanisme

Field use is hard

Laboratory sensitivity often degrades in the field because of vibration, temperature and size constraints. Ruggedising sensors is a major engineering challenge.

03Suivi

Quantum testbed.

L'écran qu'une équipe utiliserait pour suivre ce sujet : ses mesures, ses états et ses décisions. Les noms sont des exemples et les valeurs sont illustratives.

Quantum testbed

Quantum sensing · Testbed lab · Device QD-91

Calibration cycleGCRI · Technologies quantiques

Qubits

Q0166940.02In spec
Q1102350.04In spec
Q2178570.05Drifting
Q362320.02In spec
Q4100950.03Drifting

Device

Topology
heavy-hex, illustrative
2Q fidelity
0.994
Accès
by committee
Étiquette
OBSERVÉ
Quantum testbed: the screen’s structure, terms and states for Quantum sensing.Noms donnés à titre d'exemple et valeurs illustratives ; une conception, non un enregistrement ni un système en service.
04À travers les domaines

Quantum sensors could change measurement in several domains.

05Méthodes et preuves

How quantum sensing is modelled, measured and tested.

Le modèle, ses hypothèses, ses données et son incertitude, sous la forme qu'un scientifique ou un ingénieur vérifierait. Les structures suivent des méthodes publiées. Les valeurs représentées sont illustratives, ce ne sont pas des résultats.

Modèle de système

The couplings between the systems in quantum sensing: signs of influence, a reinforcing and a balancing loop, and cross-links where stress jumps.

++−+QuantiqueCyberCommunautésÉconomieR renforçanteB équilibrage
Causal loop diagram from the page’s systems; signs show the direction of influence. Illustrative structure for a system dynamics or network model, not estimated couplings.
Principes directeurs FAIR · GO FAIR et FORCE11W3C PROV · World Wide Web ConsortiumOrientations sur le traitement cohérent des incertitudes · GIECCEOS Analysis Ready Data · Comité sur les satellites d'observation de la Terre
06Indicateurs

Ce qui est mesuré, et avec quelle qualité.

Chaque indicateur porte son unité, sa périodicité, le type de source qui le sous-tend et l'étiquette de preuve que porterait une valeur. Aucune valeur n'est affichée : un programme les fournit sous sa propre autorité.

IndicateurUnitéFréquenceType de sourceÉtiquette
Clock fractional frequency uncertaintydimensionlessper publicationMetrology institute resultsOBSERVÉ
Sensor sensitivityunits per square root of hertzper devicePublished characterisationDÉCLARÉ
Field trials of quantum navigationnombreannuelAgency and research reportsDÉCLARÉ
Technology readiness level by applicationreadiness levelpar évaluationExpert assessmentsESTIMÉ
Size, weight and power of deployed sensorskilograms and wattsper deviceProduct specificationsDÉCLARÉ
Commercially available quantum sensor productscount by typeannuelMarket surveysDÉCLARÉ
07Sources

D'où proviennent les données probantes.

Jeux de données publics et registres institutionnels nommés, chacun avec sa catégorie de licence. Les sources fournies dans le cadre d'accords ne sont utilisées que selon leurs conditions et ne sont jamais republiées.

SourcesCe qu'elle apporteCatégorie de licence
BIPM and national metrology institute publicationsTime standards and clock comparisonsPublic, terms per institute
Peer-reviewed sensing literatureExperimental sensitivities and demonstrationsLicence per article
Defence and transport agency reports on alternative navigationAssessments of quantum navigation optionsPublic, terms per agency
OECD quantum technologies policy workOverview of sensing applications and policyPublic, OECD terms
Market surveys of quantum sensingProducts and firmsCommercial; public summaries (to check)
08Décisions

Qui décide, et à quoi servent les données probantes.

Quantum Technologies prepares evidence. The decisions below are taken by the authorities named, under their own rules, and never by the platform.

Qui décideLa questionDonnées probantes servies par cette page
Transport and navigation authoritiesWhether quantum sensors can reduce dependence on satellite navigationReadiness assessments; field trial evidence
Metrology institutesHow to develop and disseminate time and frequency standardsClock performance evidence
Industry and health systèmesWhere quantum sensors offer practical benefitApplication comparisons

Résultats que produit ce thème

  • Readiness assessments by sensing application
  • Comparisons of quantum and classical sensor options
  • Evidence notes on navigation resilience
  • Field trial review frameworks
09Questions essentielles

Ce que se demandent les experts.

Sensing questions concern precision, robustness and use outside the laboratory.

  • How much better than classical instruments is a quantum sensor in real operating conditions?
  • Can it be made small, robust and affordable enough for field use?
  • Could quantum inertial sensors and clocks provide navigation when satellite signals are lost or jammed?
  • What could quantum gravimeters and magnetometers reveal about groundwater, geology and infrastructure?
  • What are the dual-use implications, for example for detecting submarines or underground structures?
10Mécanismes

Mécanismes et facteurs.

Quantum sensors exploit the fact that quantum states are disturbed by tiny changes in their environment. Atomic clocks measure time by the frequency of atomic transitions. Atom interferometers split and recombine clouds of cold atoms to measure acceleration and gravity. Defects in diamond and other materials act as nanoscale magnetometers. The same sensitivity that gives precision also makes sensors vulnerable to noise, vibration and temperature changes.

The step from laboratory to field is the main challenge. Many quantum sensors require lasers, vacuum systèmes and careful isolation. Engineering progress is reducing size and power, but performance in a moving vehicle or harsh environment is often well below laboratory results.

11Méthodes et données

Comment c'est étudié, et où les méthodes s'arrêtent.

Méthode ou donnéesCe qu'il montreLimites
Laboratory metrologyFundamental sensitivity and stabilityLaboratory performance rarely transfers directly to the field
Field trialsPerformance in vehicles, aircraft, boreholes or shipsFew trials, often reported by developers
Comparison with classical sensorsWhether the quantum device adds real valueClassical sensors also improve
Earth observation data fusionCombining quantum gravimetry with satellite and ground dataInterpretation depends on geophysical models
13Where this page’s references

Where this page’s references lead.

Les organismes et documents à l'aune desquels cette page se lit. Les statuts et éditions changent ; chaque lien mène à l'organisme émetteur.

14Questions

Questions et réponses.

What is a quantum sensor?
A device that uses quantum states, such as atomic energy levels or superposition, to measure physical quantities with high precision.
Are atomic clocks quantum technology?
Yes. They use quantum transitions in atoms and have been in use for decades, underpinning satellite navigation and network timing.
Can quantum sensors replace GPS?
Quantum inertial sensors and clocks could support navigation when satellite signals are unavailable, but field systems are still being developed and tested.
Is quantum sensing already in use?
Yes, in some forms. Atomic clocks are long established. Newer sensors such as quantum gravimeters and magnetometers are in research, trials and early commercial use.
Could quantum sensors replace satellite navigation?
Not entirely. Quantum inertial sensors could reduce drift when satellite signals are unavailable, but they measure motion relative to a starting point and still accumulate some error over time.
Why is sensing considered dual use?
Because the same precision that helps map groundwater could detect hidden objects or structures. That raises questions of export control and responsible use.
RapportsContribuer

Apportez des éléments de preuve depuis cette page.

Rapports is the Consortium’s quarterly publication. What you know about this subject can become evidence, a case or a correction in the next edition, credited to you and published under CC BY 4.0 where it is your own work.

GCRITechnologies quantiquesTechnologies exponentiellesPerspectives prospectives
Technologies quantiques

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