UK’s quantum innovations outlined in new report

Quantum technology relies on the often bizarre behaviour of particles at the sub-atomic level such as superposition (particles existing in two states simultaneously) and entanglement (changes in one particle affecting another with no apparent interaction). Published by the Quantum Metrology Institute (QMI), the new report outlines UK research into the nascent technology across industry and academia, as well as at the National Physical Laboratory, which is home to the QMI. Measurement of the states of these particles is key to commercialising these quantum innovations - one of the key reasons for establishing the QMI at the NPL in 2015.

“Measurement bridges the gap between research and commercial exploitation,” said Rhys Lewis, director of the QMI. “For companies to innovate in quantum technology, they need to understand and define the properties of the systems they are developing. To develop saleable products, they need to provide verified evidence that the technology is built on sound scientific and engineering principles and that it will perform as described.