Quantum Technologies

Technology

Quantum computers make use of the principles of quantum mechanics, such as the property that electrons and photons can simultaneously exist in the states 0 and 1. The combination of special hardware and software thus performs calculations differently from current computer systems. Quantum computers are therefore able to achieve results in the foreseeable future that are not possible with the fastest traditional computers, for example, by using massively parallel data processing and computation-intensive simulations.

Applications

• Designing new chemical compounds, such as complex catalysts and new pharmaceutical compounds

• Calculating complex climate models

• Simulating traffic situations

• Optimizing production processes

• Accelerating machine learning

Technology

Due to their computing power, quantum computers make several cryptographic methods — which the government and businesses currently use to protect information — vulnerable. To protect against this, an approach has been developed based on classical cryptography, called post-quantum cryptography. Quantum technology also offers a solution with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). This technology ensures a secure exchange of cryptographic keys by utilizing properties from quantum technology, such as polarization, superposition, and entanglement, of photons or electrons, for example. QKD offers a solution for the secure sharing of keys, based on physical (and not mathematical) certainty.

Applications

A significant application of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is the secure exchange of sensitive information between entities such as governments, healthcare organizations, and financial institutions. In addition to QKD, quantum teleportation, quantum repeaters, and entanglement distribution networks also fall within the domain of quantum communication. These technologies are less advanced in their development but more future-oriented; together, they form the foundation for the quantum internet.

Technology

Principles from quantum mechanics enable the development of new types of sensors that are extremely sensitive, compact in size, and generally highly energy efficient.

Applications

• Medical diagnostics

• Navigation and geolocation (logistics)

• Environmental monitoring

• Quality control

• Weather forecasting and climate modeling

• Defense and security

Technologie

A quantum internet comprises quantum computers interconnected via quantum-secured connections within a network of nodes, ensuring confidentiality. The signals can travel through terrestrial fiber optics, as well as through satellite networks. The quantum internet thus enables ultra-fast data processing and secure data transmission.

Applications

• Secure communication of confidential data

• Error detection and correction (integrity check)

• Privacy protection for cloud computing

• Future-proof infrastructure