NATIONAL QUANTUM MISSION
1. Context
In order to develop capabilities in quantum-related science and technology, India announced the setting up of the National Quantum Mission last year. What is the National Quantum Mission and how does it aim to support, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D in quantum technology?
2. National Quantum Mission
- The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is an initiative launched by the Government of India in 2023 to advance research and development in quantum science and technology. With a focus on four core areas—Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices—the mission seeks to position India as a global leader in quantum innovation.
- The mission is funded with an allocation of ₹6,003.65 crore over a span of eight years (2023-2031) and aims to drive both scientific breakthroughs and industrial applications. A key feature of the mission is the establishment of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs), each dedicated to one of the key areas, to address specific research objectives and challenges in quantum technologies.
- The NQM is expected to support a range of applications, from secure communication systems to advanced computing, with the potential to transform fields like healthcare, defense, and cryptography
3. What is Quantum technology?
- Quantum technology refers to a broad range of technological innovations rooted in the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. Scientists discovered that classical physics—including Newtonian mechanics, electromagnetism, and classical thermodynamics—could not fully explain several important phenomena at the atomic and subatomic levels, such as wave-particle duality, quantum superposition, quantum entanglement, and Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle.
- This gap in understanding led to the creation of quantum mechanics, a new branch of physics that transformed how we perceive the quantum world. Over time, advancements in quantum mechanics were applied to develop real-world devices.
- These theories and devices collectively form what we now refer to as quantum technology.
- Specifically, quantum technology harnesses quantum mechanical principles, such as superposition, quantum entanglement, and interference, to enable more efficient large-scale computations. Let’s explore these concepts in more detail
4. Core Principles of quantum mechanics
- (a) Superposition: In classical computing, the basic unit of data is a ‘bit,’ which can have a value of either ‘0’ or ‘1.’ A bit is limited to these two possible states. In contrast, quantum computing uses a ‘qubit’ (quantum bit) as its fundamental unit. Unlike classical bits, qubits can exist in a superposition of both ‘0’ and ‘1’ simultaneously, represented as a combination of probabilities for being in either state when measured.
- This property allows quantum computers to process multiple possibilities at once, enabling them to solve complex problems more efficiently by exploring numerous potential solutions simultaneously and finding the optimal one with minimal error. Quantum algorithms like Shor’s algorithm (used for factoring large numbers) and Grover’s algorithm (for quickly searching unstructured databases) leverage superposition to deliver results far faster than classical computers, which might take months for the same task.
- (b) Entanglement: Entanglement describes the phenomenon where two subatomic particles become linked, such that a change in one particle is instantly reflected in the other, regardless of the distance between them. This property can be used to enhance the security of quantum communication by entangling the qubits of the sender and receiver, preventing unauthorized access.
- (c) Interference: Interference refers to the superposition of quantum states in subatomic particles, which influences the likelihood of different outcomes when those particles are measured. While entanglement is a relationship between two particles, interference involves the interaction of multiple particles. It can be constructive or destructive, making it useful in quantum algorithms to improve accuracy by amplifying high-probability outcomes and suppressing less probable ones.
- Quantum technology, though relatively new, is a crucial interdisciplinary field with broad applications in science, research, healthcare, communication, security, and more. This brings us back to the goals and challenges of each focus area under the National Quantum Mission
5. Domains of National Quantum Mission
- (a) Quantum Computing: This area focuses on creating the necessary hardware, software, algorithms, and protocols for designing and developing quantum computing systems, such as quantum computers. While the National Quantum Mission is set to last for eight years (2023-2031), its progress can be broken down into three stages: developing 20-50 physical qubits within the first three years, 50-100 physical qubits within five years, and 50-1000 physical qubits by the end of eight years.
- It’s important to note that quantum computers are not meant to replace classical computers. Instead, they are designed to handle computational tasks that classical computers struggle with. For instance, factoring large numbers using classical computers requires vast amounts of memory and time. Even with superprocessors, such tasks could take months. Quantum computers, therefore, are expected to be used primarily in laboratories for these highly complex problems, while everyday users will continue relying on classical computers.
- (b) Quantum Communication: This focuses on developing secure satellite-based quantum communications between ground stations, which could be up to 2000 kilometers apart. This would enable secure communication both within and outside the country. The mission aims to develop inter-city quantum key distribution (QKD) networks with secure nodes, using wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) over optical fiber networks spanning large distances, up to 2000 kilometers.
- The goal is to develop key hardware for a multi-node quantum network, which includes quantum memories, entanglement swapping (enabling two particles that haven’t interacted to become entangled through a third particle), and synchronized quantum repeaters at each node (2-3 nodes).
- (c) Quantum Sensing & Metrology: NQM has set a dedicated goal to improve measurement accuracy and sensing capabilities. The mission plans to develop magnetometers with a sensitivity of 1 femto-Tesla/sqrt(Hz) in atomic systems, surpassing the previous 1 pico-Tesla/sqrt(Hz) benchmark. It also aims to enhance gravity measurement sensitivity beyond 100 nanometers/second² and develop atomic clocks with 10⁻¹⁹ fractional instability for more precise timing, communication, and navigation applications.
- (d) Quantum Materials & Devices: Advancing quantum technology requires specialized materials and devices. The National Quantum Mission aims to design and synthesize quantum materials, such as superconductors that function at extremely low temperatures (-273°C). Maintaining such low temperatures presents significant energy and technical challenges. The mission also seeks to develop innovative semiconductor structures and topological materials for creating quantum devices that will be used in various quantum technologies.
- To support each of these areas, Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) will be established. These hubs will focus on key elements like technology development, human resource training, fostering entrepreneurship and startups, and promoting international collaborations
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For Prelims: National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications, Internet-of-Things,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the need for implementing the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions 1. Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned? (UPSC 2022) A. Cloud Services B. Quantum Computing C. Visible Light Communication Technologies D. Wireless Communication Technologies Answer: B |
Source: Indianexpress
