NATIONAL
QUANTUM MISSION (NQM) - SCI & TECH
News: National Quantum
Mission: Why India has a lot of catching up to do
What's
in the news?
●
Recently,
the Union Cabinet approved the ₹6,003 crore National Quantum Mission (NQM) that
will fund research and development of quantum computing technology and
associated applications.
National
Quantum Mission:
Aim:
●
It
aims to seed, nurture, and scale up
scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative
ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).
Nodal
Authority - Department
of Science & Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science &
Technology.
Time
Period - 2023-2031
Features:
●
It
will target developing intermediate
scale quantum computers with 50-100 physical qubits in 5 years and 50-1000
physical qubits in 8 years.
○
Just
like bits (1 and 0) are the basic units by which computers process information,
‘qubits’ or ‘quantum bits’ are the units of process by quantum computers.
Key
Aspects of the Mission:
1.
Quantum Computing:
●
Advancing
quantum computing capabilities for solving complex problems and enhancing
computational efficiency.
2.
Quantum Communication:
●
Developing
secure and high-speed quantum communication networks to safeguard sensitive
information.
3.
Quantum Sensing:
●
Utilizing
quantum principles for ultra-precise measurements in fields such as navigation,
imaging, and environmental monitoring.
4.
Quantum Metrology:
●
Enhancing
measurement accuracy by exploiting quantum properties, leading to advancements
in metrology and standards.
5.
Quantum Materials and Devices:
●
Investigating
and harnessing the unique properties of quantum materials to develop advanced
devices for diverse applications.
Significance
of the Mission:
●
The
mission will help develop magnetometers
with high sensitivity for precision timing (atomic clocks), communications,
and navigation.
●
It
will also support design and synthesis
of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor
structures and topological materials for fabrication of quantum devices.
Significance
for India:
●
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.