India Strengthens Momentum in Quantum Science & Indigenous Cryogenic Technology

Why in the News ?

The Union Minister of Science & Technology visited the Quantum Research Laboratories at IIT Bombay and inaugurated the institute’s Liquid Helium Facility, marking a major advancement in India’s quantum technology, cryogenics, and high-precision materials research ecosystem.

Recent Milestones in India’s Quantum R&D

Liquid Helium Facility

• Establishes the base for indigenous dilution refrigeration units, essential for ultra-low-temperature quantum computing.
• Strengthens India’s capabilities in cryogenics, superconductivity, photonics, quantum computing, sensing, advanced materials, and technologies for green energy and healthcare (e.g., MRI).
• Quantum computers operate at extremely low temperatures (below –272°C), and the ability to produce Liquid Helium indigenously marks a leap toward self-reliant quantum hardware development.
• Helium liquefies at –268.93°C, enabling superconductivity, superfluidity, and other quantum phenomena required for next-generation computing.

QMagPI – India’s First Portable Magnetometer

• QMagPI measures ultra-low magnetic fields in nanotesla (nT).
• Has applications in defence, geophysics, mineral exploration, space sciences, and high-precision research.
• Places India among the select few nations with indigenous portable magnetometer technology.

Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM)

• India’s first indigenous QDM, developed by IIT Bombay.
• Enables nanoscale, 3D magnetic field imaging.
• Integrated with AI/ML, it supports:
  • Neuroscience research
  • Material sciences
  • Advanced semiconductor testing
• Enhances India's long-term technological leadership in quantum-grade imaging systems.

Q-Confocal System

• A homegrown confocal microscope designed to detect intracellular processes such as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).
• Helps support early-stage cancer diagnostics and cellular-level biomedical research.
• Confocal microscopes use a pinhole optical system to filter out-of-focus light, producing high-resolution and high-contrast images.

Understanding Quantum Technology

About

Quantum Technology harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics—superposition, entanglement, tunneling, coherence—to perform tasks classical devices cannot execute efficiently.

Core Quantum Principles

• Superposition: Quantum particles may exist in multiple states simultaneously until measured.
• Entanglement: Linked particles remain interconnected; the state of one instantly affects the other.
• Tunneling & Coherence: Enables particles to pass through barriers and maintain stable quantum states required for computing and sensing.

Classical vs Quantum Computing

• Classical computers: Operate on bits = 0 or 1.
• Quantum computers: Use qubits that follow probabilistic behavior and can exist as 0, 1, or both simultaneously → enabling exponentially faster computation for certain tasks.

Applications of Quantum Technology

• Pharmaceuticals: Simulates molecular structures, accelerating drug discovery for complex diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s).
• Disaster Management: Enhances modeling of tsunamis, droughts, earthquakes, floods and improves climate data processing.
• Secure Communication: Basis for quantum-safe satellites and communication networks; enables ultra-secure military and cyber systems.
• Quantum Cryptography: Provides unbreakable encryption, vital for financial institutions, government security, and future-proofing data.

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

• A flagship initiative (2023–24 to 2030–31) under the Ministry of Science & Technology.
• Supports ecosystem building in quantum computing, quantum materials, quantum communication, sensing, and metrology.
• Aims to elevate India as a global leader in quantum technologies through indigenous innovation and advanced R&D.