Deep diving into the smallest possible phenomena of the universe and solving the world's most difficult and incomprehensible problems is the work of quantum technology, with IDTechEx's portfolio of Quantum Technologies Research Reports and Subscriptions covering quantum sensors, computing, materials, and more.
Increased sensing sensitivity
Quantum sensors is an umbrella term for a whole range of sensing technologies which are distinctly more sensitive than regular sensors. These include atomic clocks, quantum magnetic field sensors, quantum gravimeters, gyroscopes, accelerometers, quantum RF sensors, and single photon detectors. Despite seeing orders-of-magnitude-level improvements when compared with regular, incumbent technologies, quantum sensors are expected to face challenges concerned with maintaining performance in real-world applications.
IDTechEx's report, "Quantum Sensors Market 2026-2046: Technology, Trends, Players, Forecasts", categorizes quantum sensor emergence by decade. Gyroscopes, gravimeters, and RF sensors are expected to first become available within the 2030s, while quantum imaging and accelerometers may pick up in the 2040s. New applications in biomagnetic imaging, underground mapping, and quantum computing are also expected in the 2030s, and applications in telecoms and autonomous vehicles potentially in the 2040s. The report states that the quantum sensor market is expected to hit US$1.9 billion by 2046, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 9%, highlighting steady and strong growth within the market.
Much of the funding for quantum sensors has been from national aerospace agencies and defense, where many key developments have also taken place. This is due to the need for extremely high-sensitivity and top sensing performance within these sectors, where very high-value but low volume sales of sensors are expected to continue, particularly for atomic clocks and inertial navigation systems, keeping these technologies for more niche and high-performance applications in the mean time. In healthcare technology, IDTechEx's report highlights that quantum sensors may be able to one day replace traditional scanners and instead provide a new means of more sensitive and accurate readings for improved diagnostics. In the medium term, quantum sensors are likely to stay within specific sectors with a focus on targeted applications, as due to the high cost of manufacturing them, achieving deployment for the mass-market is still challenging.
The value of qubits and quantum computers
Quantum sensor technologies also stretch to the world of quantum computing, where in-house quantum sensors may be developed for the purpose of quantum bit or 'qubit' reading and scaling up qubit number. Qubits hold much of the value within quantum computers. The number of them represents the possibility of achieving a higher number of 'perfect' or 'logical' qubits, which are made up of numerous, physical individual qubits and sought after for increased computing accuracy.
Accuracy, however, is not the only unmatched quality of quantum computing. The speed in which these computers can solve complex problems that would otherwise take classical computers an immeasurable length of time is another reason for their status. IDTechEx's report, "Quantum Computing Market 2026-2046: Technology, Trends, Players, Forecasts", states that during the late 2020s, a breakthrough is likely to take place as a result of an increase in the number of logical qubits, where problem solving capabilities are drastically improved. This will directly impact applications across sectors like quantum chemistry, where battery chemistry simulations could be enhanced and drug discovery could be more reliable. Other sectors that can benefit from quantum computing include HPC for AI acceleration and climate modelling, automotive for performance optimization, aerospace for physics simulations, and financial for applications such as pricing optimization. IDTechEx's report, "Materials for Quantum Technologies 2026-2046: Market, Trends, Players, Forecasts", covers the latest developments in the specific materials needed for quantum sensors and quantum computing, including superconducting chips, nanomaterials, PICs, and diamond.
For more information on the quantum sector as a whole, visit IDTechEx's portfolio of Quantum Technologies Research Reports and Subscriptions for the latest research, newest developments, key players, and forecasts spanning the next two decades.
