Quantum sensing
Quantum sensors offer unprecedented precision in measuring magnetic and gravitational fields, light, time, and radio-frequency signals, delivering levels of accuracy and sensitivity that exceed the capabilities of traditional sensors.
Some quantum sensing applications are already commercially available, while others are rapidly maturing, creating new opportunities across navigation, infrastructure resilience, and smart environments. Quantum sensing technologies draw on range of atomic-level effects, including quantum entanglement, single-photon interactions, discrete energy states, and quantum coherence. Because these sensors rely on stable and invariant properties, they provide exceptional long-term accuracy and stability.
The role of telcos in distributed quantum sensing
Quantum sensors are interconnected through fibre networks, entanglement can further enhance sensitivity and precision, enabling distributed sensing applications at scale. With extensive fibre infrastructure and strong enterprise customer relationships, telcos are well positioned to support and deliver distributed quantum sensor networks across sectors including manufacturing, smart mobility, and environmental and scientific research. The earliest quantum sensors are already commercially available. By exploring applications and integration now, telcos can unlock value across network operations, smart facilities and mobility, infrastructure monitoring, and other emerging domains.
FAQs
What is the status of quantum sensing for telcos?
While some quantum sensors are commercially available, others have a longer timeline and require further development.
• Quantum clocks are becoming commercially available, with the first products delivered in recent years. Further work is required to ruggedize, miniaturise, and field test many systems, as well as test integration and scalability requirements.
• Quantum navigation is rapidly moving towards commercial availability, with multiple companies working with industry partners to perform field and flight trials.
• Quantum RF sensors are not yet commercially available, with the first widescale deployments expected in military contexts. Current systems have limited IBW and have not been tested in network contexts.
• Single-photon detectors are widely commercially available, with a number of high-performance modalities including semiconductor-based detectors, superconducting nanowires, and photomultiplier tubes. However, they have not been widely tested for telco applications – other than QKD.
Will quantum sensors replace traditional sensors?
Quantum sensors will not replace traditional approaches – it will complement and enhance them.
Traditional sensors will remain the backbone for most day-to-day applications, as they are efficient, cost-effective, and mature. Quantum sensing approaches will improve performance for specific tasks, like navigation in GPS-denied environments, ultra-precise timing applications, and next-generation RF monitoring.
In practice, the future will be hybrid: classical and quantum working together, with operators using the right method for the right job. This combination will deliver more powerful, efficient, and scalable applications than either technology alone.
Other key quantum technologies
Quantum computing
