Quantum Technology Domains
Quantum is about more than just quantum computers. If Greater Washington is to fulfill its potential as a quantum innovation hub, now is the time to execute on a full plan to leverage capabilities across institutions into a shared regional innovation infrastructure to spur collaboration and efficiency in quantum education, research, and technology commercialization efforts across four key quantum technology domains: computing; sensing; communications and cryptography; and materials.
Quantum Computing
Quantum computers leverage counterintuitive features of quantum physics to execute certain tasks faster than current supercomputers. Quantum information processing involves using and manipulating quantum states within a system to simulate complex systems or store and process data as quantum bits (qubits) in a quantum computer. (UMD / Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance)
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The industrialization of quantum computing will bring about a fundamental shift in complex problem-solving areas like drug discovery, grid optimization, personalized medicine, AI and more.
Quantum Sensing
Quantum sensing utilizes individual or entangled arrays of quantum systems, such as atoms, photons, quantum defects in solids, or two-dimensional materials, to perform precise measurements. Quantum systems have unique properties that can be harnessed to detect subtle environmental changes, leading to better measurement and imaging tools. (UMD / Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance)
Quantum Communications
& Cryptography
Quantum communication involves preserving or transferring a quantum state across distances.
(UMD / Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance)
Quantum Materials
Quantum materials exhibit quantum mechanical effects, such as quantum fluctuations, entanglement, and coherence, which are readily observable over a wide range of energies and length scales and which produce novel and exotic material properties like topologically protected electronic states and more. New materials may improve current devices and open the door to technologies not yet envisioned.
(UMD / Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance)
