Why study quantum technology? A career in quantum technology will see you at the cutting edge of the emerging quantum field, researching and developing technologies capable of changing the future of computing, communications, cryptography, medical technology, transport systems and beyond.
In the quantum technology courses available at The University of Queensland, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues, with topics including:
- how to design robust quantum technology products
- the working principles of quantum information and quantum computing
- the fundamentals of solid-state technology, understood in terms of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics
- the physics of lasers, atom-light interactions and the quantisation of the electromagnetic field
- advanced techniques in computational physics and machine learning
- real-world and practical research experience in applied or theoretical research projects.
What is quantum technology?
Put simply, it's an emerging field of physics and engineering that encompasses a broad range of devices, materials and information technology which rely on the principles of quantum physics. Advanced quantum technologies exist within technologies we use every day – including your smartphone, which has semiconductors that use quantum physics to operate. The next revolution in quantum technology will harness all the properties of quantum systems, such as entanglement, to develop technologies beyond what can be realised today – including the next generation of quantum computing, communications, and sensing.
Examples of quantum technology
The burgeoning world of quantum technology offers many avenues for experimentation and innovation. We’ve collected a few examples from UQ that showcase how quantum technology products and research can be used to improve the way we live and how it will play a significant role in the world of technology in the future. These are just a few highlights of the innovative and future-focused research opportunities available to academics and professionals in our Master of Quantum Technology and related programs.
UQ researchers created a quantum microscope
Thanks to research from Dr Catxere Casacio, a former PhD candidate from UQ’s Quantum Optics Lab, a team of UQ researchers developed a breakthrough quantum microscope in 2021 poised to pave the way for applications in biotechnology, navigation and medical imaging.
Artist’s impression of UQ’s quantum microscope in action
The microscope, powered by the science of quantum entanglement, was the first entanglement-based sensor with performance beyond the best possible existing technology at the time.
UQ researchers align the UQ-developed quantum microscope
“Entanglement is thought to lie at the heart of a quantum revolution,” says Professor Warwick Bowen, who leads the Quantum Optics Lab at UQ.
“We finally demonstrated that sensors that use it can supersede existing, non-quantum technology."
“This is exciting – it was the first proof of the paradigm-changing potential of entanglement for sensing.”
This breakthrough opened the door for some wide-ranging technological revolutions, such as:
- a better understanding of living systems
- improved diagnostic technologies
- vastly improved computing power, communications and sensing technology.
UQ-developed ‘ultra ultrasound’ revolutionised the industry
In 2019, UQ researchers developed an extremely sensitive method of measuring ultrasound, which had the potential to revolutionise everything from medical devices to unmanned vehicles.
A close-up view of UQ’s ultraprecise ultrasound sensors
The technology was the most sensitive ultrasound device ever created at the time, indicating a major step forward, since accurate ultrasound measurement is critical for a range of applications including:
- medical ultrasounds, such as examining pregnant women
- high-resolution biomedical imaging to detect tumours and other anomalies
- spatial applications, such as sonar imaging of underwater objects or in the navigation of unmanned aerial vehicles.
“Improving these applications requires smaller, higher-precision sensors, and that’s exactly what we’ve been able to develop," says Professor Bowen.
"The technology is so sensitive that it can hear, for the first time, the miniscule random forces from surrounding air molecules.”
UQ research powers a new era of energy-efficient Ai
Years of quantum research at UQ have culminated in Cortisonic, an Australian start-up spun out of UQ's Queensland Quantum Optics Lab in 2026. Cortisonic is commercialising ultralow-energy Ai hardware built on the same research behind the breakthroughs above.
Developed by Professor Warwick Bowen, Dr Glen Harris and Dr Christopher Baker, the technology replaces conventional electronic switching with sound waves – or 'phonons' – on a silicon chip, enabling AI computation at a fraction of the energy of today's processors.
"This work shows how quantum technologies developed in Queensland can contribute not only to Australia's economic future, but to addressing global energy pressures,” says Professor Bowen.
The first target market is Edge Ai, which powers autonomous drones, wearables and smart devices, and is projected to reach $270 billion by 2032.
"You can't put a data centre on a drone or into a wearable device," says Dr Harris.
"Any portable, low-power application where you don't have abundant resources is where we excel."
Cortisonic shows where a quantum technology career can lead: from PhD research and industry collaboration to a venture-backed company tackling one of the world's most pressing challenges.
Study the Master of Quantum Technology program at UQ
A recent CSIRO report has recognised quantum technology as an emerging $6B opportunity for Australia, with over 19,400 jobs on offer by 2045. Correspondingly large investments around the world give evidence of a burgeoning quantum-led industry. The Master of Quantum Technology program at UQ is the first of its kind in Australia and has been created to meet a high demand from technology companies worldwide for specialists in the quantum field. This program builds on the outstanding programs in quantum physics for which UQ is internationally renowned.
Here are just a few things on offer from the Master of Quantum Technology program:
- Build on your existing technical qualifications in computer science, mathematics or engineering, and develop a foundation in the principles of quantum physics.
- Develop high-level technical skills and a capacity for creatively solving problems in a complex and high-tech environment.
- In a research setting, you’ll apply your knowledge of quantum physics theory toward research projects that make a difference.
- Graduate with the skills and confidence to make you a sought-after specialist for the many emerging quantum technology jobs.
Learn more about UQ's Master of Quantum Technology
This article has been updated since its original publish date to ensure accuracy of information. The views, opinions and details of the people featured in the 'UQ researchers created a quantum microscope' and 'UQ-developed ‘ultra ultrasound’ revolutionised the industry' sections are true as of 16 September 2021.
