Quantumania takes over. Here we are in the real “quantum realm”

As a quantum scientist, I’m amazed at how central the Quantum Realm is to the latest Ant-Man film. It’s a great way to break down the barriers to an area that will impact our lives for years to come.

So what does the “real quantum realm” look like? Let me take you on a Quantumania-inspired tour of the technologies and possibilities of quantum science. And even more important to me is how we ensure that women like Wasp, and more generally underrepresented groups, can have a prominent role in the journey.

We will not get lost in the “quantum realm”.

In a previous Ant-Man film, the first wasp, Janet van Dyne, got lost in the quantum realm – but quantum technology is already helping us find our way around the real one.

Quantum sensing is behind the GPS systems we rely on for everything from the best shortcut to work to internet governance systems. The accuracy of the sensors used to measure time literally makes atomic clocks in many GPS satellites tick.

The sensors work by using the quantum properties of particle behavior at the atomic level to detect tiny movements or changes in gravitational, electric or magnetic fields. This level of accuracy can provide high-precision and stable measurement. Or for a watch: a super-reliable “tick”.

Accurate GPS is great, but the latest quantum sensor technologies will take us much further. Quantum-enabled “PNT” (positioning, navigation and timing) systems could transform navigation in environments where GPS doesn’t work — for example, in space or in military environments where GPS could be an exploitable vulnerability. They are also creating new ways to monitor environmental changes, conduct Earth observations from space, and predict weather over long distances. All of this provides data critical to industries from insurance to mining, as well as global sustainability efforts. These advances are already helping scientists measure climate change and support policy change.

Many PNT systems use Cold Trapped Atom sensors as “atomic accelerometers”. These use the wave-like nature of matter to detect tiny changes in gravity and acceleration. Another type of quantum sensor uses the way flaws in diamonds emit light to image magnetic fields. It’s worth calling out as it’s non-toxic to living systems, so the potential for health care is huge. For example, current research includes detecting malaria-infected red blood cells to stop this devastating disease in its tracks.

Quantum computers will be the portal to a whole new world of computing power

In 2019, it took a Google quantum computer just 200 seconds to complete a theoretical task that Google estimated could take 10,000 years for the fastest “classical” supercomputer (as we call non-quantum computers).

When you think about how much computers have already changed our lives, imagine how far this kind of supercharged computing ability can take us. Quantum computers could help us develop new medicines and sustainable materials faster, manage power grids more efficiently, detect financial crime better, and much more.

The common denominator is that all these activities involve analyzing an overwhelming amount of data and possible combinations. The science is complex, but in oversimplified terms, when computers use the quantum properties of subatomic particles, they can accommodate all possible combinations in one execution. A classic computer has to consider each combination in turn – so much, much slower.

Not surprisingly, developing practical machines that can do this on a large scale is almost as difficult as science itself. And the problem gets harder the bigger you make your quantum computer.

However, based on the progress we’ve made, I’m still confident in their future. Since Google’s success in 2019, we’ve achieved more milestones that many in the industry thought impossible. As a result, it’s a viable avenue to achieve generally useful quantum computing in this decade. Thanks to a hybrid approach combining quantum theory, high-performance computing and artificial intelligence, we will feel the impact even sooner. Such an approach will surpass classical problem solving by unlocking quantum advantages with exciting applications in biotechnology and other sectors.

Staying Safe in the Real “Quantum Realm”

The immense power of quantum computing is both a threat and an opportunity. It could break current encryption methods for cyber security.

Cryptographic algorithms are the backbone of the encryption systems we use today to protect our most sensitive data and systems. These algorithms are based on mathematical problems that are too complex for classical computers but not for quantum computers. Cracking them would compromise the privacy and integrity of sensitive financial and healthcare data, digital messaging systems, critical infrastructure, defense and more.

Before anyone panics, remember that the threat is significant but not imminent. Quantum computers powerful enough to crack cryptographic ciphers are years away. Now is a great time for businesses and governments to prepare—replacing encryption systems is a major infrastructure change that takes large organizations years to implement. We can all sleep better knowing that such changes will be proactively considered and implemented.

As organizations advance their quantum security preparations, the market for quantum risk technologies aimed at mitigating the threat is growing. The most popular solutions include post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum key distribution (QKD). These two technologies and other new solutions are still in their early stages, but I’m sure we’ll hear more as the quantum transition gains momentum.

Don’t forget the wasp

As the pace picks up, we need the right people for the quantum mission. Just like the Wasp and Ant-Man partnership, diversity of talent is central to our success.

I was the only woman on my PhD. Curriculum. I’m still often the only woman in the boardroom. Other women in the quantum world have eloquently written about similar experiences. We need to bring more diverse perspectives for the same reasons as other fields of science and technology (STEM). Teams from diverse backgrounds create better solutions, are more likely to mitigate the risks of input bias, and encourage other underrepresented groups to join the field.

It’s a complex issue that needs to be addressed, so I was heartened by the statistics on women in STEM in Europe, where 52% of the 74 million STEM workers identified as female in 2021. Regarding quantum in particular, it’s good to see the US government making commitments to developing a quantum workforce.

Every step counts – but there’s still a long way to go to attract the best and most diverse talent we can find.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania may represent a fictional quantum empire, but I hope it inspires a new generation to step into the field and help create the real one.

Kristin M. Gilkes, Ph.D., is EY’s global innovation quantum leader. The views expressed in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organization or its member firms.

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