EEM820: Quantum Computing

DAYALBAGH EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTE

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

National Quantum Mission, India – Quantum Sensing

and Metrology

SUBMITTED BY:
SHIKHA SATSANGI
2002159
ELECTRICAL(CS)
B. TECH 4TH YEAR
 National Quantum Mission, India –
Quantum Sensing and Metrology

Abstract—The National Quantum Mission is a visionary endeavor aimed at harnessing the immense
potential of quantum science and technology to drive innovation and secure the future of the nation.
Quantum technology, built upon the principles of quantum mechanics, offers revolutionary capabilities
that promise to redefine computing, communication, cryptography, and sensing. Led by interdisciplinary
teams of scientists, engineers, and policymakers, the mission seeks to accelerate the development and
deployment of quantum technologies across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, defense, and
beyond. Quantum sensing, an emerging frontier, employs the principles of quantum mechanics to achieve
remarkable sensitivity and precision in measurement. Quantum metrology, leveraging quantum
phenomena such as superposition and entanglement, offers unparalleled accuracy and reliability in
measurements.

Keywords— Quantum Technology, National Quantum Mission, Quantum Sensing, Quantum

Metrology

1. INTRODUCTION
Quantum Technology is based on the principles of quantum theory, which explains the nature of energy
and matter on the atomic and subatomic level. It concerns the control and manipulation of quantum systems,
with the goal of achieving information processing beyond the limits of the classical world. Quantum
principles will be used for engineering solutions to extremely complex problems in computing,
communications, sensing, chemistry, cryptography, imaging and mechanics. Quantum Technology is one of
the 9 missions of national importance, being driven by the Prime Minister ‘s Science and Technology
Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) through the (Principal Scientific Advisor) PSA ‘s office to
leverage cutting edge scientific research for India ‘s sustainable development. The areas of focus be in
fundamental science, translation, technology development and towards addressing issues concerning
national priorities. This may include quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum materials
required for building indigenous capability and trained manpower.
The union cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the National Quantum
Mission (NQM) on 19th April 2023 at a total cost of Rs.6003.65 crore for a period of eight years to aid
scientific and industrial research and development in quantum technology. It’ll be implemented by the
Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science & Technology. The mission
planned for 2023-2031 aims to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant
& innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).
With the launch of this mission, India will be the seventh country to have a dedicated quantum
mission after the US, Austria, Finland, France, Canada and China.

A. Salient features of NQM

1) It will target developing intermediate scale quantum computers with 50-100 physical
qubits in 5 years and 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years.
a) Just like bits (0 and 1) are the basics units by which computers process information,
‘qubits’ or ‘quantum bits’ are the units of process by quantum computers.
2) The mission will help develop magnetometers with high sensitivity for precision timing
(atomic clocks), communications, and navigation.
3) It will also support design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors,
novel semiconductor structures and topological materials for fabrication of quantum
 devices.
4) The mission will also help developing:
a) Satellite based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range
of 2000 km within India.
b) Long distance secure quantum communications with other countries.
c) Inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km.
d) Multi-node Quantum network with quantum memories
5) Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) would be setup in top academic and National R&D institutes
on the domains of Quantum Technology:
a) Quantum Computation
b) Quantum Communication
c) Quantum Sensing & Metrology
d) Quantum Materials & Devices

B. Significance of NQM
1) This will accelerate QT led economic growth and make India one of the leading nations in
the development of Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA) ranging from healthcare
and diagnostics, defense, energy and data security.
2) It will work towards indigenously building quantum-based computers which are far more
powerful and are able to solve the most complex problems in a highly secure manner.

The National Quantum Mission represents a bold and forward-thinking approach to harnessing the
power of quantum science and technology for the betterment of society, reaffirming the nation's
commitment to scientific excellence, technological leadership, and global competitiveness in the 21st
century and beyond. The mission would greatly benefit communication, health, financial and energy
sectors as well as drug design, and space applications. We will now focus on Quantum Sensing and
Metrology which is one of the key areas of NQM.
 2. QUANTUM SENSING & METROLOGY
Quantum Sensing & Metrology offers potential breakthroughs in precision measurements, impacting
navigation, timing, and physics. The Indian National Quantum Mission (INQM) endeavors to leverage
quantum sensing and metrology for applications in precision measurements, imaging, and navigation, with
potential implications for healthcare, defense, and environmental monitoring. Quantum sensing is the use of
quantum systems to make atomic-scale measurements. Quantum sensing relates to Quantum Metrology
which seeks to create highly sensitive and high-resolution measurements of physical conditions using
quantum theory.

Quantum sensing and metrology utilize the quantum properties of matter (such as quantized transitions in
neutral atoms, ions, and spin qubits) or quantum phenomena (including entanglement between different
qubits or degrees of freedom) to measure physical quantities with unparalleled sensitivity, precision and
accuracy. This meeting aims to cover quantum sensing technologies with real-world applications as well as
the development of devices and techniques that will advance sensing performance.
This includes measuring time using atomic clocks. In some cases, these measurements exploiting
entanglement or squeezing achieve measurements beyond the Heisenberg limit.

Focus of Consortia:
 Develop magnetometers with 1 femto-Tesla/sqrt (Hz) sensitivity in atomic systems and better than
1 pico-Tesla/sqrt (Hz) sensitivity in Nitrogen Vacancy-centers; Gravity measurements having
sensitivity better than 100 nano-meter/second2 using atoms and Atomic Clocks with 10-19 fractional
instability for precision timing, communications and navigation.

The Quantum Sensing & Metrology Technical Groups may consider the following domains (but not
restricted to):

a) Atomic Magnetometers
b) Atomic Clocks and Radars
c) Quantum Gravimeters and Inertial Sensors
d) Quantum Enhanced Imaging
e) Quantum-enhanced Metrology
f) Sensors for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
g) NV Centre based sensors

A. Quantum Sensing: Utilizing quantum principles for ultra-precise measurements in fields such as
navigation, imaging, and environmental monitoring.
Sensing refers to the detection of a physical presence and the conversion of that data into a signal that
can be read by an observer or an instrument. Quantum sensing is an advanced sensor technology that
detects changes in motion, electric and magnetic fields by collecting data at the atomic level. It utilizes
quantum resources to make technological devices more accurate, efficient, and reliable, and is used in
various fields such as aerospace, defense, healthcare, environmental management, and geology.
Quantum sensing harnesses the behavior of subatomic particles in quantum states to measure
external influences with unparalleled accuracy. In essence, a quantum sensor is a device that utilizes
these quantum phenomena. For example, consider an atom placed in a specific quantum state. If this
atom encounters an external force, like a magnetic field, it will respond by changing its quantum state.
This change can be observed and decoded, providing a measurement of the external force's magnitude
and direction. The distinct advantage of these sensors is their ability to detect the tiniest of changes.
Quantum systems in superposed or entangled states can be used to build sensors with efficiencies
considerably better than the best classical sensing devices. Precision magnetometry and inertial
guidance with Nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond, photon detection using quantum tunnelling etc.
are just a few of the emerging approaches to building quantum enabled sensors. Quantum sensors
 based on Atom interferometry offer unprecedented advantages in studying and measuring fundamental
constants, inertial sensing and precision metrology. Quantum mechanics also provides for
fundamentally new ways of sensing like quantum ghost imaging in which an obstacle in the path of a
light beam is detected without sending even a single photon through that path. Quantum sensing offers
great potential. in several areas including magnetic field based global navigation, biological imaging,
neuroscience and related fields.
 Main Types of Quantum Sensors
Quantum sensing technology has paved the way for developing a myriad of specialized sensors, each
designed for specific applications and with precision in mind.
1) Atomic Clocks: These are the gold standard in timekeeping. By measuring vibrations of atoms
(usually cesium or rubidium) in a particular quantum state, atomic clocks offer unparalleled time
accuracy. They are essential in GPS systems, where split-second precision matters.
2) Magnetometers: Used for detecting and measuring magnetic fields, these quantum sensors exploit
the magnetic properties of certain quantum states. Their acute sensitivity makes them indispensable
in geological exploration and brain imaging.
3) Gravitometers: Leveraging quantum principles, these sensors accurately detect and measure
gravitational forces. They play a pivotal role in subsurface exploration and determining mineral
deposits.
4) Interferometers: These devices measure the interference patterns of quantum particles, like photons.
They are critical in detecting minute changes in displacement, temperature, or velocity, often used in
advanced optics and astronomy.
5) Thermometers: The quantum versions of these devices can detect exceedingly small temperature
variations. Quantum thermometers are especially useful in research scenarios where nanoscale
temperature changes can influence outcomes.
6) Imaging Sensors: Using quantum properties, these sensors capture images with resolutions
previously thought impossible. They’re beginning to revolutionize areas like MRI scans in medicine,
offering sharper and more detailed visuals.

B. Quantum Metrology: Enhancing measurement accuracy by exploiting quantum properties, leading

to advancements in metrology and standards. Quantum metrology is the study of individual packets
of energy (called “quanta”) in order to generate standards of high-precision measurement and related
research. Quantum metrology utilizes quantum effects and quantum mechanics in enhancing and
limiting measurement precision.
Metrology is the science of measurement and its application. It encompasses the establishment of units
of measurement, the realization of these units in practice, and the application of chains of traceability.
Quantum metrology veers away from classical theories regarding measurement by providing advances
in precise measurement that have not been considered in traditional theories.
To improve the sensitivity and accuracy of measurements, quantum metrology takes advantage of the
peculiar properties of quantum systems, such as entanglement and superposition. It is possible, for
example, to estimate physical quantities more precisely using entangled states rather than classical
states.
Precision measurements drive forward advances both in basic science and applied technologies.
Quantum technologies offer the next frontier in precision measurements in the form of quantum
limited metrology. Using quantum tunneling to image at sub atomic resolution in scanning tunneling
and atomic force microscopy, pushing the accuracy of atomic clocks even further by putting quantum
phenomena to work and using quantum states of light to enhance the sensitivity of gravitational wave
interferometers are but just a few applications of the same.
Quantum metrology promises to develop measurement techniques that give better precision than the
same measurement performed classically. It has numerous applications in fields such as
communication, medicine, and imaging. Some important applications of quantum metrology include
 gravitational wave detection, atomic clocks, and imaging.
Key points related to Quantum Sensing and Metrology:
1) Use of Quantum Systems for Timekeeping, Gravimetry, Inertial Navigation, Magnetometry,
Thermometry and Other Measurements
2) Single-photon Detection and Quantum Imaging Systems
3) Meta surfaces and Integrated Photonics for Quantum Sensors
4) Enabling Optical Technologies to Improve the Preparation, Control and Measurement of Quantum
Sensing Systems
5) Use of Entanglement and Squeezing to Push the Sensitivity Beyond the Standard Quantum Limit

3. APPLICATIONS
1) Navigation and Positioning: Quantum sensors, such as atomic clocks and gyroscopes, are crucial for
precise navigation and positioning in both terrestrial and space-based systems. They enable accurate
timekeeping and orientation determination, essential for GPS systems, autonomous vehicles, and
spacecraft navigation.
2) Medical Imaging and Diagnostics: Quantum sensing techniques, including magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG), play a vital role in medical imaging and
diagnostics. Quantum sensors can detect subtle magnetic field variations in the human body, aiding in
the diagnosis of neurological disorders, monitoring brain activity, and imaging internal organs with
high resolution.
3) Environmental Monitoring: Quantum sensors are utilized for environmental monitoring
applications, such as detecting changes in magnetic fields to study geological formations, monitoring
groundwater resources, and mapping variations in Earth's magnetic field for geological surveys. They
also contribute to climate research by measuring greenhouse gas concentrations and monitoring air
and water quality.
4) Defense and Security: Quantum sensors are employed in defense and security applications for
detecting hidden objects, identifying chemical and biological agents, and enhancing surveillance
capabilities. Quantum metrology techniques, including quantum gravimetry and quantum
magnetometry, enable the detection of underground structures, unexploded ordnance, and concealed
threats.
5) Materials Characterization: Quantum sensing plays a crucial role in materials science and
characterization, facilitating the study of novel materials, nanoscale structures, and quantum
phenomena. Techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy
(AFM) utilize quantum principles to image and manipulate individual atoms and molecules, leading
to breakthroughs in nanotechnology and quantum materials research.
1) Industrial Metrology and Quality Control: Quantum metrology techniques are essential for
industrial applications requiring precise measurements and quality control, such as semiconductor
manufacturing, precision machining, and metrological standards development. Quantum sensors can
ensure the accuracy of dimensional measurements, surface roughness analysis, and calibration of
measurement instruments, improving product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
2) Quantum Communication and Cryptography: Quantum sensing and metrology enable secure
communication protocols based on quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum encryption
techniques. Quantum sensors are used to generate, transmit, and detect quantum-encrypted signals,
providing unconditional security against eavesdropping and interception, thus enhancing
cybersecurity in sensitive communications networks.
3) Biological and Chemical Sensing: Quantum sensors have applications in biological and chemical
sensing, including detecting biomolecules, monitoring biochemical reactions, and analyzing
molecular structures. Quantum metrology techniques, such as laser spectroscopy and quantum-
enhanced imaging, enable sensitive detection of biological markers, environmental pollutants, and
 hazardous substances in real-time.
4. CHALLENGES
1) Technical Complexity: Quantum sensing and metrology systems often require sophisticated
instrumentation and precise control over quantum systems, leading to high technical complexity.
Designing, building, and operating quantum sensors and metrology setups can be challenging,
requiring specialized expertise in quantum physics, engineering, and materials science.
2) Cost: The development and deployment of quantum sensing and metrology technologies can be
expensive due to the high cost of research, development, and fabrication of quantum devices and
infrastructure.
3) Sensitivity to Environmental Noise: Quantum sensors and metrology systems are often sensitive to
external noise and environmental disturbances, which can degrade their performance and accuracy.
Factors such as temperature fluctuations, electromagnetic interference, and mechanical vibrations can
introduce noise and uncertainty, affecting measurement reliability and stability.
4) Limited Scalability: Current quantum sensing and metrology systems are often limited in scalability,
particularly concerning the number of parameters that can be simultaneously measured and the size
of the sensing volume.
5) Reliance on Quantum Properties: Quantum sensing and metrology rely on delicate quantum
phenomena such as superposition and entanglement, which are susceptible to decoherence and
environmental decoherence. Maintaining quantum coherence over extended time periods and
mitigating decoherence effects pose significant challenges, impacting the reliability and robustness of
quantum measurements.
6) Integration with Classical Systems: Integrating quantum sensing and metrology technologies with
existing classical systems and infrastructure can be non-trivial, requiring compatibility with
conventional measurement techniques and data processing algorithms. Bridging the gap between
quantum and classical systems while ensuring seamless interoperability remains an ongoing research
challenge.

5. CONCLUSION
Quantum sensing and metrology represent a frontier of scientific exploration and technological innovation
with immense potential to revolutionize various fields. Despite facing certain limitations, these technologies
offer unprecedented sensitivity, precision, and robustness, opening up new avenues for research, development,
and practical applications. Quantum sensing and metrology are rapidly growing fields that offer several
advantages over traditional sensing technologies. The advancements in quantum sensing and metrology have
already led to significant breakthroughs in fields such as navigation, healthcare, environmental monitoring,
defense, and materials science. From enabling high-precision measurements of physical quantities to
providing insights into fundamental quantum phenomena, these technologies continue to push the boundaries
of scientific understanding and technological capabilities. Overall, quantum sensing and metrology hold the
promise of transforming industries, driving innovation, and addressing societal challenges in the years to
come. By harnessing the power of quantum mechanics and pushing the boundaries of measurement science,
these technologies are poised to shape the future of science, technology, and society.

6. REFERENCES
[1] [Link]
[2] [Link]
[3] [Link]
y_(qsm)/
[4] [Link]
[5] [Link]
[6] [Link]