A Special Diamond Is the Key to a Fully Open Source Quantum Sensor
Quantum computing is a technology that has been shrouded in mystery for decades, with some predicting its imminent reality and others labeling it as a distant dream. However, researchers Victoria Kumaran and Mark Carney are working to make quantum technology more accessible to the masses, presenting an open-source and affordable quantum sensor at this year's Quantum Village at the Defcon security conference in Las Vegas.
The Quantum Village is a community-driven initiative that aims to make emerging research and threat analysis more accessible. Kumaran and Carney will present their "Uncut Gem" project on Saturday, showcasing a quantum sensor that can be used for various applications, including medical technologies and GPS alternatives. The magic behind this affordable technology lies in a special diamond with particular atomic properties.
The Affordable Diamond
The Uncut Gem project utilizes synthetic diamonds with defects, which are the cheapest off-cuts available. These nitrogen-vacancy diamonds have special molecular properties due to the presence of nitrogen atoms replacing some carbon atoms in the diamond's atomic structure. The unique properties of these diamonds make them ideal for quantum sensing applications.
Democratizing Quantum Sensing Technology
The Uncut Gem project represents a significant opportunity for democratization and expansion of quantum sensing technology. Currently, most research and development focus on high-end technologies, making it inaccessible to the general public. However, with the release of this open-source project, anyone can build their own quantum sensors and explore the technology.
"You can do things you wouldn't have been able to do before," Kumaran told WIRED ahead of the presentation. "These are diamonds with defects, synthetic diamonds that are the cheapest off-cuts you can get. I think there's something a bit poetic that synthetic diamonds have this utility."
Potential Applications
Quantum sensors like the Uncut Gem project have numerous potential applications, including medical technologies and alternative navigation systems. These tools could be used as local alternatives to GPS in the case of global system failures or targeted jamming.
The US Space Force is currently testing what they call the "highest-performing quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space." For the vast majority of people who don't have access to these high-end sensors, however, the Uncut Gem project offers a viable alternative.
Open-Source Innovation
The Uncut Gem project is not just about producing a functional quantum sensor but also about fostering open-source innovation. The project joins other initiatives in hacking that aim to create low-cost, accessible designs and components.
Independent researcher Davide Gessa has been testing the Uncut Gem schematics and code. "I'm following the instructions from the official project, but I made some customizations too," he told WIRED. "My hope is to exploit this device to do some quantum computing experiments and also use it for random number generation."
Conclusion
The Uncut Gem project represents a significant step forward in democratizing quantum sensing technology. With its affordable design, open-source approach, and potential applications in various fields, this project is poised to revolutionize the way we interact with quantum technology.