On March 24, 2022, the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science (SCQIS) released a strategic plan titled “Bringing Quantum Sensors to Fruition.” The report augmented the U.S. National Strategic Overview for Quantum Information Science by expanding upon policy topics related to quantum sensing.
The report identified quantum sensors as technologies that use quantum mechanical properties, such as atomic energy levels, photonic states, or the spins of elementary particles, for metrology. It noted that several quantum sensing technologies, including atomic clocks for GPS and nuclear spin control for MRI, are already widely deployed, and that new near-term quantum sensors could achieve similar transformative impact.
The plan set out four policy recommendations: agencies leading quantum research should accelerate development of new quantum sensing approaches and prioritize partnerships with end users; agencies should streamline technology transfer and acquisition practices to encourage early adoption; the government should invest in key enabling technologies including laser systems and integrated optics; and interagency coordination through the SCQIS should align priorities for a 1-to-8-year development horizon.
The report identified potential end-user agencies including NIH, DHS, USDA, NOAA, NASA, DOD, and USGS, and cited the need for collaboration between technology producers and operational users to bring devices from laboratory to field deployment. It built upon both the National Quantum Initiative Act and the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, which legislated responsibilities for the NSTC Subcommittee on Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Science.