Quantum Technologies
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Quantum Technologies
Use the future to build the present
Quantum Technologies
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5.5SyntheticBiology5.4Science ofthe Originsof Life5.3FutureEconomics5.2Future ofEducation5.1ComplexSystemsScience4.4Democracy-affirming Technologies4.1Science-basedDiplomacy4.2Advances inScience Diplomacy4.3Digital Technologiesand Conflict3.7InfectiousDiseases3.6Solar RadiationModification3.5OceanStewardship3.4SpaceResources3.3Future FoodSystems3.2WorldSimulation3.1Decarbonisation2.6FutureTherapeutics2.5Organoids2.4ConsciousnessAugmentation2.3RadicalHealthExtension2.2HumanApplicationsof GeneticEngineering2.1CognitiveEnhancement1.6CollectiveIntelligence1.5AugmentedReality1.4BiologicalComputing1.3Brain-inspiredComputing1.2QuantumTechnologies1.1AdvancedAIHIGHEST ANTICIPATIONPOTENTIAL
5.5SyntheticBiology5.4Science ofthe Originsof Life5.3FutureEconomics5.2Future ofEducation5.1ComplexSystemsScience4.4Democracy-affirming Technologies4.1Science-basedDiplomacy4.2Advances inScience Diplomacy4.3Digital Technologiesand Conflict3.7InfectiousDiseases3.6Solar RadiationModification3.5OceanStewardship3.4SpaceResources3.3Future FoodSystems3.2WorldSimulation3.1Decarbonisation2.6FutureTherapeutics2.5Organoids2.4ConsciousnessAugmentation2.3RadicalHealthExtension2.2HumanApplicationsof GeneticEngineering2.1CognitiveEnhancement1.6CollectiveIntelligence1.5AugmentedReality1.4BiologicalComputing1.3Brain-inspiredComputing1.2QuantumTechnologies1.1AdvancedAIHIGHEST ANTICIPATIONPOTENTIAL

Emerging Topic:

1.2Quantum Technologies

    Associated Sub-Fields

    Systems made up of subatomic particles like electrons and photons are subject to physical laws unlike the ones we are familiar with. Quantum technologies make use of two phenomena unique to such quantum systems. One is “superposition”, where a quantum entity’s physical properties remain undefined until they are measured, creating an entirely novel mechanism for encoding information. The other is “entanglement”, where quantum entities have intertwined properties that mean action on one entity instantly affect the outcome of future actions on its entangled twin, even when they are physically separated. 

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    These phenomena allow cryptographic keys to be shared securely over hundreds of kilometres, quantum computers to solve classically intractable problems and quantum sensors to make measurements of unprecedented precision. These technologies are still under development, but already pose challenges: for example, we can confidently anticipate that future quantum computers will be able to crack most of the encryption techniques currently used to secure communications and data. More speculatively, it has been suggested that quantum phenomena might play a role in processes such as the functions of biological systems, which if confirmed would raise the prospect of unanticipated new technologies.

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    Many countries, companies, and research collaborations have produced roadmaps outlining the technological milestones on the way to mature quantum technologies. For example, the European Quantum Flagship’s Strategic Research Agenda offers a good overview of field including milestones.1 The UK’s roadmap lists concrete applications.2 The US National Strategic Overview for Quantum Information Science addresses policy issues related to education, workforce and the collaborations between academia, the government and the quantum industry.3 The Oida Quantum Photonics Roadmap provides a synthetic table of possible applications.4

    Emerging Topic:

    Anticipation Potential

    Quantum Technologies

    Sub-Fields:

    Quantum Communication
    Quantum Computing
    Quantum Sensing and Imaging
    Quantum Foundations
    Few emerging disciplines have received more attention in recent years than quantum technologies, with many countries, companies and researchers producing roadmaps of the future of the field. Much of the focus has been on quantum computing so, despite its undeniably disruptive potential and the years it will take to reach maturity, much of the anticipatory work is already underway. In contrast, foundational quantum discoveries with major impact on other fields such as biology or neurosciences have received little attention so far. Major breakthroughs in this area are not expected for many years making it hard to assess their disruptive potential, but this uncertainty and the field's low visibility suggests it is one worth paying more attention to.

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