![handle is hein.crs/govedox0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Defense Primer: Quantum Technology
Updated June 7, 2021
Quantumtechnology translates the principles of quantum
physics into technological applications. In general, quantum
technology has not yet reached maturity; however, it could
hold significantimplications for the future of military
sensing, encryption, and communications, as well as for
congressional oversight, authorizations, and appropriations.
Key Concepts in Quantum Technology
Quantumapplications rely on a number ofkey concepts,
including superposition, quantumbits (qubits), and
entanglement. Superposition refers to the ability of quantum
systems to exist in two or more states simultaneously. A
qubit is a computing unit that leverages the principle of
superposition to encode information. (A clas sical computer
encodes information in bits that can represent binary states
ofeither0or 1, whereas a quantumcomputer encodes
information in qubits, each of which canrepresent0, 1, or a
combination of 0 and 1 at the same time. Thus, the power of
a quantumcomputer increases exponentially with the
addition of each qubit.)
Entanglement is defined by the National Academy of
Sciences (NAS) as a phenomenon in which two or more
quantumobjects in a systemcan be intrinsically linked such
that measurement of one dictates the possible measurement
outcomes for another, regardless ofhow far apart the two
objects are. Entanglementunderpins a number of potential
military applications ofquantumtechnology. Both
superposition and entanglement are, however, difficult to
sustain due to the fragility ofquantumstates, which canbe
disrupted by minute movements, changes in temperature, or
other environmental factors.
M itaryApplications of
Quantum Technology
The Defense Science Board (DSB), an independent
Department of Defense (DOD) board of scientific advisors,
has concluded that three applications of quantum
technology hold themost promise for DOD: quantum
sensing, quantumcomputers, and quantum
communications.
Quantum Sensing
Quantums ensing uses the principles of quantumphysics
within a sensor. According to the DSB, this is the most
mature military application ofquantumtechnologies and is
currently poised formissionuse. Quantumsensing could
provide a number ofenhanced military capabilities. For
example, it could provide alternative positioning,
navigation, and timing options that could in theory allow
militaries to continueto operate at fullperformance in GPS-
degraded or GPS-denied environments.
In addition, quantumsensors couldpotentially be used in an
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) role.
https://crsrepc
Successful development and deployment of such sensors
could lead to significant improvements in submarine
detection and, in turn, compromise the survivability of sea-
based nuclear deterrents. Quantums ensors could also
enable military pers onnel to detect underground structures
or nuclear materials due to their expected extreme
sensitivity to environmental disturbances. The sensitivity
of quantumsensors could similarly potentially enable
militaries to detect electromagnetic emis sions, thus
enhancing electronic warfare cap abilities andpotentially
assisting in locating concealed adversary forces.
The DSB concluded thatquantumradar, hypothesized to be
capable ofidentifying theperformance characteristics (e.g.,
radar cross-section, speed) of objects-including low
observable, or stealth, aircraft-willnot provide upgraded
capability to DOD.
Quantum Computers
According to NAS, quantum computers are the only
known model for computing that could offer exponential
speedup over today's computers. While quantum
computers are in arelatively early stageof development,
advances-many of which are driven by the commercial
sector-could hold implications for the future of artificial
intelligence (Al), encryption, and other disciplines.
For example, some analysts have suggestedthat quantum
computers could enable advances in machine learning, a
subfield of Al. Such advances could spur improvedpattern
recognition and machine-based target identification. This
could in turn enable the development of more accurate
lethal autonomous weapon systems, or weapons capable of
selecting and engaging targets without the need for manual
human control or remote operation. AI-enabled quantum
computers potentially could be paired with quantumsensois
to further enhance military ISR applications.
In addition, quantumcomputers could potentially decrypt
classified or controlled unclassified information stored on
encrypted media, allowing adversaries to gain access to
sensitive information about U.S. military orintelligence
operations. Some analysts note that significant advances in
quantumcomputing would likely be required to break
current encryption methods.
The practical applications ofquantumcomputers will likely
be realized only after improvement inerrorrates and
development ofnew quantumalgorithms, software tools,
and hardware. While, as NAS notes, there is no guarantee
that [these technical challenges] will be overcome, some
analysts believe that an initial quantumcomputer prototype
capable of breaking current encryption methods could be
developed in the 2030 to 2040 timeframe. For this reason,
NAS concludes that the development, standardization, and
deploymentofpost-quantumcryptography is critical for
.conress.qov](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.crs/govedox0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)
What Is HeinOnline?
Contact us for annual subscription options:
Already a HeinOnline Subscriber?
profiles profiles most
Contact us for annual subscription options:
Already a HeinOnline Subscriber?
profiles profiles most
Contact us for annual subscription options:
Already a HeinOnline Subscriber?
profiles profiles most