DSTL-英国防务与安全前景：量子信息处理技术布局2020（英文）-2020.6-144页_2mb

Summary of "Quantum Information Processing Landscape 2020: Prospects for UK Defence and Security"

Core Content

This document provides a critical survey of Quantum Information Processing (QIP) technologies in the UK and globally, assessing their potential impact on Defence and Security in the near, medium and long term. It outlines the strategic importance of QIP and recommends a shift in the MOD's approach from passive technology watching to active investment in QIP.

Main Points

1.1 Purpose and Background

• The document aims to assess the current and future state of QIP and its potential applications for the UK Defence and Security sectors.
• It identifies technologies and applications expected during Era 1 (2020 - 2025) and encourages the MOD to reconsider its current stance of passive observation.
• The UK has been actively investing in quantum technologies since 2014, with the establishment of the National Quantum Technology Programme (NQTP) and the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC).

1.2 Quantum Computing and the Second Quantum Revolution

• The 'Second Quantum Revolution' will see the development of technologies that exploit quantum effects like entanglement and superposition.
• These technologies are expected to surpass classical computers in performance and provide new capabilities for data processing and simulation.

2.1 Quantum Information

• Quantum computers use qubits, which can represent not only 0 and 1 but also intermediate and complex values simultaneously.
• This allows for fundamentally different processing capabilities compared to classical computers.

2.2 Types of Quantum Computers

• Circuit model quantum computers: These are similar to classical computers but have shown superior performance in certain tasks, such as those demonstrated by Google's Sycamore device.
• Adiabatic quantum computers (Quantum Annealers): These are used for solving optimisation problems and are commercially available from D-Wave Systems.
• Competitive alternatives: Digital silicon technologies are still in the race to provide viable quantum alternatives, especially in the near term.

3.1 QIP in Defence and Security

• QIP has the potential to transform information processing in Defence and Security, especially through AI and machine learning.
• It can significantly enhance automated data analysis, image processing, and situational awareness.

3.2 Quantum Algorithms

• The Quantum Algorithm Zoo contains many algorithms, but only a few are expected to have value for Defence and Security.
• NISQ algorithms (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) are of primary and secondary importance in Era 1 and may offer practical benefits.
• Future algorithms for Era 3 (2030 and beyond) may require large, fault-tolerant quantum computers and could revolutionise areas like secure communication and simulation.

3.3 QIP for Automation

• Quantum neural nets (QNNs) are expected to provide significant advantages in pattern recognition and image analysis.
• Training QNNs requires careful selection of data and is a critical challenge.

4.1 Enterprise Management

• QIP can enhance the efficiency of information management in both civilian and military contexts.
• It enables faster and more accurate processing of large datasets, which is vital for decision-making in complex environments.

4.2 Information Security

• QIP can improve secure data transmission, authentication, and network immunity to attacks.
• Quantum signatures and quantum networks offer new ways to protect information and verify sender identity.

4.3 Data and Information Processing

• QIP can significantly improve automated image searching and data processing.
• It can help extract more meaningful information from large datasets and enhance situational awareness.

4.4 Robotics and Enterprise

• QIP can enable advanced robotic systems with improved navigation, obstacle avoidance, and environmental understanding.
• It can also support logistics and medical systems with enhanced processing capabilities.

4.5 Future Combat Systems

• Quantum technologies can contribute to the development of future combat systems through Network Quantum Enabled Capability (NQEC).
• Key challenges include machine understanding, planning, navigation, and compatibility with military doctrine.

4.6 Training and Simulation

• QIP can revolutionise training and simulation technologies by enabling more realistic and efficient learning environments.
• Quantum neural nets could be used to improve training systems for complex tasks.

5.1 Strategy for UK Defence and Security

• QIP presents significant opportunities and threats, especially for Defence and Security.
• The UK is in a global race to develop quantum technologies, and early investment is crucial to maintain a competitive edge.
• The NQTP and MOD are complementary, and a strategic focus on QNNs is recommended to secure early wins.

5.2 Sovereign Quantum Industry

• The UK aims to build a sovereign quantum industry to gain economic and national security benefits.
• Current investments have positioned the UK as a global leader in quantum technologies, with a focus on developing a full-stack quantum computing capability.

5.3 Translational Research

• The Oxford-led Quantum Computing and Simulation (QCS) Hub supports mid-TRL QIP research.
• The Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) Wave 3 is funding QIP projects, including those related to quantum neural nets.

5.4 MOD Investment Recommendations

• MOD should work with NQTP partners to propose a QNN Challenge using ISCF Wave 3 funds.
• Ensuring adequate SQEP (Sovereign Quantum Enterprise Partnership) is essential to derive full early-adopter benefits.

Key Information

• Era 1 (2020–2025): Focus on NISQ algorithms and early applications of QIP, especially in image processing, AI, and network security.
• Era 2 (2025–2030): Continued development of QIP and its integration into enterprise and military systems.
• Era 3 (2030 and beyond): Potential for full-scale quantum computers to provide transformative benefits in areas like secure communication and simulation.
• The UK has invested around £1B since 2014 in quantum technologies and aims to build a sovereign quantum industry.
• Quantum neural nets are a promising area for near-term applications and could provide significant benefits for Defence and Security.
• MOD is advised to take an active role in the development of QIP and to consider investment in quantum algorithms and hardware.

Conclusion

The document concludes that QIP is poised to have a transformative impact on Defence and Security, especially in the near term. It recommends a strategic shift from passive observation to active investment, with a focus on developing quantum algorithms and integrating QIP into existing systems. The UK is well-positioned to lead in this field and should take advantage of the current opportunities to secure a competitive advantage.