GAO-25-107876 Quantum Sensors
Science, Technology Assessment,
and Analytics
SCIENCE & TECH SPOTLIGHT:
GAO-25-107876, January 2025
WHY THIS MATTERS
Precise measurements can support major improvements in
medicine, defense, and research. Quantum sensors have the
potential to make a wide variety of measurements with
unprecedented precision.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
» Quantum sensors are the most mature form of quantum
technology, but some sensors require further
improvements in reliability and cost-effectiveness.
» The field faces several challenges, including technology
transfer obstacles, a small workforce, and a low supply of
key components.
» Policymakers could consider how to support the
technology and address concerns, such as adversaries
potentially using the sensors to detect stealth technology.
THE TECHNOLOGY
What is it? Quantum sensors make exceedingly precise and
versatile measurements. They can measure time, temperature,
distance, gravity, electromagnetic fields, and more. They have
numerous applications in government, industry, health care, and
science. For example, quantum sensors could expand
navigation without GPS.
How does it work? Like other forms of quantum technology,
quantum sensors rely on the properties of quantum physics.
One such property is a connection between two or more
particles called "entanglement," in which characteristics are
linked between particles, and measuring one particle reveals
information about the others. Another property is
"superposition," which allows a particle, while unobserved, to be
in all possible observable states simultaneously. This enables
measurements that cannot be obtained using classical physics.
How mature is it? Quantum sensors are the most developed
type of quantum technology. Since the mid-20
th
century,
commercialized quantum sensors include magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) and atomic clocks, which are used in GPS.
Further breakthroughs could have wide-ranging implications as
soon as the next decade. For example, atomic interferometers,
which can measure gravity, could be used to map mineral
deposits and volcanic activity. Other sensors could be used to
detect dark matter, a component of the cosmos that remains
unidentified, or to monitor the behavior of quantum computers.
Federal agencies are investing in quantum sensor research. For
example, the Department of Energy and the National Science
Foundation are supporting research to enhance monitoring of
critical infrastructure and look at the inner functions of living
cells, respectively. The National Quantum Initiative Act, enacted
in 2018, requires the federal government to accelerate
development and implementation of quantum technology,
including quantum sensors.
OPPORTUNITIES
Defense and navigation. Quantum sensors improve
measurements of time and position, enabling navigation
when GPS is unavailable or degraded and helping
vehicles navigate adverse weather and terrain. In national
security, they could help the military overcome jamming
and detect stealth technology.
Remote Detection. Quantum sensors could improve the
accuracy and scope of measurements that can be
collected in research and field settings. For example,
sensors could be placed on or above the ground to detect
subterranean mineral deposits, oil, or groundwater before
drilling, which could reduce costs and environmental
impacts of extracting these resources.
Health care. Further advances in quantum sensors could
lead to more precise measurements of the human body,
such as new ways of imaging brain activity or determining
