The quantum quality
Quantum sensors get their name from their ability to measure on a quantum scale the smallest known parts of the universe, including atoms and other tiny particles, some of which were unknown before the introduction of this technology. Because of this, they exhibit incredible sensitivity, orders of magnitude higher than regular sensors, and have a high market value as a result, prioritizing quality over quantity with high-performance sensing.
A comparison between classical sensors and quantum sensors and their differing abilities. Source: IDTechEx
The three elements of the quantum sensor market
Three entities outlined by IDTechEx that can be used to categorize the quantum sensor market include physical quantities, the system used, and industry applications. Technology developers are expected to have the most relevant interest in the physical quantity that quantum sensors can measure, as it determines to an extent the capabilities of the technology and whether it is a worthwhile investment. Physical quantity is also the most frequently used categorization in IDTechEx's report, as it holds weight for many of the market's stakeholders.
Materials and components used within the sensors make up the systems on which quantum sensors are built, which are necessary to consider when evaluating challenges with manufacturing processes and for making comparisons with other existing technologies. Market drivers and competition go hand in hand with such comparisons made to current solutions, as they are vital for understanding the place of quantum sensors within the industry and where the most relevance will lie for end users.
IDTechEx covers an extensive variety of quantum sensors by category, including bench-top alkali atomic clocks, rack mountable optical atomic clocks, and alkali chip-scale atomic clocks, which are three examples of time sensors alone. Some named well-established magnetic field sensors then include superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), and NV diamond magnetometers (NVMs), with the report going on to cover quantum gravimeters, inertial quantum sensors, quantum RF sensors, and single-photon detectors.
The next two decades of quantum sensing
33 billion tunneling magnetoresistances (TMR) magnetic field sensors are expected to be deployed by 2045, making up the largest application by far for the quantum sensor market. TMR sensors have already matured to a low-cost, chip-scale solution and are seeing deployment in high-volume markets such as consumer electronics and automotive. A further 8.3 million quantum sensors, excluding TMR sensors, are also expected to be deployed at this time, with atomic clocks, primarily used within autonomous vehicles, taking up the largest market share. Single photon detectors for quantum computing will come a close second, while magnetic field sensors for biomedical imaging and quantum computing are expected to take up the third largest share.
For more information, including downloadable sample pages, please visit IDTechEx's report, www.IDTechEx.com/QuantumSensors.
For the full portfolio of quantum technology market research, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Research/QT.