Sensing and simulation

You're doing great!

You're already halfway this course. Before we continue, we have two quiz questions to refresh your memory.

You will the find the first question in the next screen.

Ok, but 'how' do we use these particles in a smart way?

This is where this course gets a little bit more practical. Now that you've covered the basics of all things quantum, we're going to dig a little deeper in the actual applications.

Quantum technologies

Here are four example of how this can be done.

Quantum computing

Quantum computers can solve certain types of problems much quicker than regular computers. For example, they are good at solving puzzles where you have many different pieces to fit together, like figuring out the best route to deliver packages to many houses.

Quantum simulation

Quantum computers are really good at understanding how tiny particles like atoms and molecules behave. This can help scientists create new medicines or materials by simulating and studying these tiny particles on the quantum computer.

Quantum sensing

Quantum sensing is about using the special properties of quantum mechanics to measure things more accurately and sensitively than we could before. This can help in many areas, from health and safety to science and exploration.

Quantum networks

The main use of quantum networks is to allow people to communicate in a way that is very secure. Quantum networks use something called quantum key distribution (QKD), which lets two parties share a secret key to encrypt messages. We will discuss this later in the course.

Let's start with sensing.

Sensors are all around us. In fact, without them you smartphone wouldn't be so smart!

So, what does this have to do with quantum?

To tell us more about this we would like to introduce you to Premjith!

It's about time.

We'll talk some more about time. Have you ever wondered how clocks measure time?

Tic... toc...

A grandfather clock uses a series of interconnected cogs and gears that convert the movement of the pendulum into the accurate movement of the clock's hands. The pendulum’s regular swings regulate the movement of these gears, which are set up in a way that they turn the clock’s hour, minute, and second hands at their respective speeds.

Actually, a digital clock also needs adjustments now and then.

According to Premjith this is why we should better rely on the 'pendulum' of electrons.

This is why he doesn't let people in.

He and his team members take care of everything themselves to make sure the workplace is always tidy and free from disturbances.

From sensing to simulation.

If you read the articles that trade journals such as Forbes publish, quantum computing will completely revolutionize our world. Many point to 'simulation' as an important application.

Meet Koen Groenland!

Koen works at QuSoft, a research institution. He is especially interested in the useful application of quantum. We asked him for his favorite example.

Surely that can be improved.

If we want to make fertilizer that is more environmentally friendly, we should look to mother nature for inspiration.

Part 1 of this video.

FeMoco in the quantum world.

Part 2 of the video.

In summary:

We are still looking for a real killer application for the quantum computer.
That killer app could be hiding anywhere something needs to be optimized, for example in chemistry
Fertilizer might be a very interesting use case for quantum simulation.