From Lab to Society: Why Quantum Sensors are Important for India’s Science and Technology Strategy

GPS spoofing poses a significant threat to Indian airlines. Recently, there have been several unfortunate reports of planes having to change their routes before reaching their destination due to GPS signal disruptions [1]. Such reports can create panic and anxiety among passengers mid-flight. The solution to this problem is the use of GPS-free navigation systems. But are such systems currently available, or can such systems be created? The answer is yes. The development of quantum sensors could enable navigation without GPS. This is just one example of the use of quantum sensors. However, there are many areas where quantum sensors could play a leading role; I will discuss them in the following paragraphs. But before that, let’s talk about quantum sensors first.

Quantum sensors are sensors that use the principles of quantum mechanics such as entanglement, interference, and superposition to detect or measure changes in physical quantities such as electric field, magnetic field, gravitational field, temperature, and time
beyond classical accuracy. Quantum sensors can use different platforms to accomplish this such as photonics, atomic and molecular systems, superconducting circuits, or solid-state devices.
Quantum sensors such as atomic vapor–based magnetometers or electrometers, superconducting quantum interference–based quantum magnetometers, nitrogen-vacancy center–based electric field, magnetic field, and temperature sensors, single-photon detectors, etc. are being developed in laboratories by Indian scientists. However, translating them to the market is very important as they are enabling devices for quantum technologies.

Among the various quantum technologies, quantum sensing is the most mature vertical and therefore plays a vital role. Here are three points I would like to emphasize:

1. Enabling the Quantum Ecosystem: Quantum sensors not only help accurately measure
   certain quantities, but they also support other verticals of the quantum ecosystem. For example, qubits (superconducting, trapped ions, NV centers, spin in semiconductors, photons) are extremely fragile and prone to error. Quantum sensors can detect small changes in fields, noise, and material defects that affect qubits, enabling the development of quantum computers. Besides, quantum communication relies on highly precise control of photons, entanglement, and timing. Quantum sensing and metrology play a crucial role by providing tools to measure, calibrate, and stabilize these systems at a level far beyond classical methods. Thus, as an enabling technology, quantum sensors are a vital part of the quantum ecosystem.
2. Technological sovereignty: Given the rapid advances in quantum technology worldwide, quantum sensing could give India technological sovereignty, especially since the country has already made significant progress in this area.
3. Opportunity for global leadership: If we start deploying quantum sensors on a large scale, certifying them, calibrating them, and exporting certified quantum sensors, especially for navigation, defense, healthcare, and geophysics, we can become a global leader in quantum technology.

The Indian government launched the National Quantum Mission in 2023, and quantum sensing and metrology is one of the four verticals with a thematic hub [2]. A Section 8 company called Qmet Foundation has been formed at IIT Bombay [3]. It focuses on the development of quantum sensors across the country and has shown excellent progress so far compared to the world on NV Center-based magnetometers and diamond microscopes. However, deploying sensors outside the laboratory remains the biggest challenge, as the laboratory is a controlled atmosphere, and the outside environment presents its own challenges due to interference from unknown external field sources. Recently, DRDO collaborated with QuBeats, a startup working on GPS-free navigation using quantum sensors [4]. NQM has funded eight startups (not all on sensing) so far, and another round of startup incubation selection is underway. I hope to see more quantum sensing startups emerge with diverse application areas.

Internationally, DARPA’s Robust Quantum Sensors (RoQS) program in the USA seeks to advance quantum sensing technology for use in real-world situations and supports several quantum sensing-based startups for defense applications [5]. NASA has quantum sensors in space through the Cold Atom Lab on the International Space Station, exploring gravity sensing and space navigation, dark matter detection, and more [6]. Europe has deployed quantum sensors for detecting and monitoring volcanic eruptions [7]. Australia has deployed quantum sensors for GPS-free navigation with Q-CTRL [8]. China is using quantum sensors for submarine detection [9].

India cannot afford delays and must move beyond laboratory environments to large-scale field deployments.

Here are the best five points that I would like to highlight:

1. Quantum Standards and Certification
   Currently, there is no institutional body in India focusing on the development of quantum standards in a mission mode, to the best of my knowledge. CSIR-National Physical Laboratory is working on this, but not in a mission mode, and therefore, the scalability of reference facility generation is a concern. Meanwhile, NIST in the USA is developing its own quantum standards. The European Union has its own mission for the standardization of quantum sensors. Germany and Japan also have joint proposals for the development of quantum sensing standards. India should not lag behind. It must work on this in a mission mode, because who will certify and calibrate quantum sensors? If there is no certification and standardization, no one will buy them, and the market value will drop to zero; ultimately, other countries will win the race. India cannot afford to delay and must move beyond laboratory environments to large-scale field deployment.
2. Focused Investment
   The government could focus on reinvesting in quantum sensing and metrology as they are the pillars for all quantum technologies.
3. Human Resource Development
   Although the Indian government has launched short courses in quantum technology at the bachelor’s level and M. Tech. programs in quantum technology, a separate effort focused solely on quantum sensing and metrology could help India stay ahead in the development of quantum sensors. Ultimately, it all depends on timing. The race is still on; if we don’t accelerate investment, the future of the quantum market and Make in India efforts will be meaningless.
4. Academia–Industry Collaboration
   As more experts in quantum technology become available in academia, the government should promote academia-industry collaboration and formulate policies that facilitate technology transfer with minimal effort and at a faster pace.
5. Outreach for Indigenous Products
   The government can create and publicize a list of Indian companies developing quantum sensors and support them through outreach programs, exhibitions, and demonstrations to ensure market visibility.

The Way Forward
Quantum sensing is one of the most mature technologies among other quantum technologies, and therefore, if government policies facilitate faster certification and the government initiates the use of quantum sensors in sectors such as defense and healthcare, it could be more beneficial for India. This will help build trust, encourage founders, and provide assurance that a market is available. With support from entrepreneurs, academics, and the government, India can stay ahead in the quantum sensing race, become a global exporter, and remain at the forefront of the quantum race.