Quantum Overview
Quantum technology utilizes the principles of quantum physics to create extraordinary new capabilities in computing and communications that will radically affect government and many private industries.
The basic property of quantum technology is the idea of superposition – the ability of quantum systems to exist in multiple states simultaneously.
For example, in classical computing, information is encoded in binary bits, either 0 or 1. Quantum computing, however, encodes information in qubits, where each bit can be 0, 1, or a combination of both at the same time. As a result, the information that quantum computing can process grows exponentially, allowing large sets of data with multiple variables to be processed exceedingly faster than classical computing, the so-called “quantum advantage.” Such properties are also relevant in the proliferation of quantum networks for advanced telecommunications, which allows quantum computers to “work together” in a network.
While the possible advantages of quantum technology are promising, technical advances are needed to increase its reliability. Qubits are highly susceptible to quantum noise (such as heat, light, thermal vibrations, electromagnetic radiation) that causes disruptions in the qubit's environment.
Quantum noise can cause the loss of information, which affects the accuracy of data processing. Although promising research has been done to reduce the number of disruptions caused by quantum noise, there remains a need for increased innovation to create a more reliable system that will actualize the envisioned benefits of quantum for the public and private sectors.
To date, much of the U.S. government’s funding priorities related to quantum technology have been to increase its reliability so that it can be practically utilized in a widespread way.
Application
The public and private sectors recognize the potential for quantum technology to transform business operations, revolutionize healthcare R&D, and enhance offensive and defensive military capabilities. While quantum computing often gets the most attention among applications, communication networks, encryption, and sensing are other commercial possibilities for quantum technology.
Quantum computing has the potential to help industries manage large data sets and develop machine learning algorithms using artificial intelligence (AI). Quantum computing is expected to provide processing capabilities multiple times the capacity of the world’s current supercomputers.
Quantum networks use quantum properties to encode and transmit information, potentially creating more secure communications that can travel greater distances. One emerging commercial use of quantum network is the idea of “quantum-as-a-service," which allows companies to rent access to applications and equipment maintained by another company. This model would allow companies with temporary quantum needs to leverage the technology for their own R&D work without the need to build their own quantum infrastructure or directly hire quantum engineers.
Encryption is used throughout multiple industries, including online commerce, financial services, and national security. Quantum computers, with their ability to process information at great speeds, will be able to break into even the most encrypted data, which could create new security threats, including to national security and intelligence sectors, to existing software and services.
Quantum sensing technology can capture precise measurements with better resolution than conventional sensors and with greater resilience from interference. Advanced sensing capabilities would benefit a wide range of industries, including healthcare imaging, medical/pharmaceutical research, energy demand forecasting, navigation, and national defense.
Considerations for Congress
National Quantum Initiative: In 2018, Congress passed the National Quantum Initiative Act to promote U.S. leadership in quantum technology, specifically directing:
The President to develop a 10-year plan to accelerate the development of quantum technology and applications;
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to carry out specific research and development activities to identify the standards and cybersecurity needs of the quantum technology industry;
The National Science Foundation (NSF) to implement research and education activities related quantum technology, as well as to award grants to establish Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education; and
The Department of Energy to administer programs to accelerate innovation in quantum network infrastructure.
The NQI authorization expired in September of 2023. Although the House Science Committee favorably reported out a reauthorization of the legislation, it has yet to pass Congress. While the lapse of authorization does not halt these federal programs, a reauthorization is needed to ensure that U.S. policy on quantum remains current and to maintain U.S. leadership in this emerging technology.
National Defense Authorization Act: Given the national security implications of quantum technology, Congress has included quantum-related provisions in recent annual defense policy bills, including authorization of appropriations to support research, development, and deployment of quantum computing and military applications of quantum technology.
Such provisions include a $100 million authorization for the DOD Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation program for quantum computing acceleration and $20 million for a DOD Applied Research program on the trapped ion quantum computer, as well as reporting on DOD’s capabilities on quantum technology.
Annual Appropriations: The Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bill continues to prioritize federal investment in quantum research and capabilities. For example, the legislation provides $245 million to the Department of Energy for quantum information services, including funding for the five National Quantum Information Science Research Centers.
Likewise, the FY24 appropriations bill increases funding for the Department of Defense’s quantum computing, quantum-related research, quantum technologies for weapon systems, and quantum networking.
Who We’re Watching
Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-3) serves as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, which appropriates funding to the Department of Energy (DOE), one of the leading government agencies involved on quantum technology. Additionally, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is located in Congressman Fleischmann’s district and is a national leader in quantum computing research for scientific applications. Congressman Fleischmann has used his chairmanship to champion investments in quantum technology through the DOE and its offices.
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), who serves on the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Media and Broadband, has introduced two bipartisan bills – one with Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and one with Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) - to promote federal support for quantum technologies. The bills would help establish the National Quantum Initiative Program and the Manufacturing USA Institute for Quantum Manufacturing to support research and development programs for quantum technology by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy’s national labs.
Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) serves on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and has partnered with Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) on the introduction of the Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications bill to establish a public-private partnership for quantum development and applications. Senator Lujan, like Congressman Fleischmann and Senator Blackburn, represents a state that is a national leader in quantum computing research through New Mexico’s national laboratories.
Electric Power Board (EPB) and Qubitekk have launched America’s first commercially available quantum network designed for running equipment and applications in an established fiber optic network in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Available to both the public and private sectors, EPB’s Quantum Network allows technology companies, research institutions, and government agencies to develop and test quantum technologies on its network. EPB, in partnership with Qubitekk, a San Diego-based technology firm, have invested $4.5 million to develop the first commercial quantum network with hopes to create an ecosystem of support for emerging quantum technologies and businesses who utilize it.
EPB and Qubikekk are also a part of the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative, an initiative designed to take advantage of the region’s quantum assets to advance quantum technology and the adoption of quantum technology to benefit the region’s communities and businesses.
IonQ is a quantum computing software and hardware company based in College Park, Maryland, partnering with many of the nation’s leading corporations and academic institutions to bring to market quantum computing technology. IonQ’s technology enables significant advancements in quantum networking that has promising commercial applications.