What is quantum technology?

Quantum technology is complicated. But let’s break it down to make it a little easier to understand.

A quantum is a really, really small particle; think subatomic. So, a quantum of light is a photon, a quantum of electricity is an electron. Think particles like proton, neutron, Higgs boson, and all sorts of quarks (up, down, charm, strange, top).

Quantum technology uses the building blocks of nature. It’s physics, computing and a new form of technology all rolled up in one.

Wrap your brain around quantum tech

The benefit of quantum technology is the speed and the increase in computing power.  

It has huge potential across many sectors, including pharmaceuticals, energy, finance, transport, defence, communications and health.

For our everyday lives, the technology could improve GPS accuracy, navigation systems in planes, phone towers, financial trading systems, and even driverless cars. It could also give us more secure communications and data systems, as well as more accurate medical imaging through quantum sensing.

So, then… what is cold quantum technology?

Cold atom quantum technology begins with tiny atoms cooled to extremely low temperatures. Or, to put it another way, these are atoms cooled down to a fraction of a degree above absolute zero – which is equivalent to minus 273.15 degrees Celsius – so basically the coldest temperatures in the known Universe!

They are then stored in a vacuum environment and trapped and manipulated by lasers.

Cold atoms are really useful in quantum technologies. They can be used for everything from computing and information processing, through to things like quantum sensing and even timekeeping. Some of the best clocks in the world use ultra-cold atoms to keep the most accurate time.