National Quantum Mission and Import of Diamonds UPSC

Description

NATIONAL QUANTUM MISSION

Source: Hindu

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Context

The Customs Department's rules on who can and cannot import diamonds are hindering the ₹6,000-crore National Quantum Mission, which aims to position India as a leader in quantum technologies.

Details

Challenges

Diamond Import Restrictions
- The Customs Department’s regulations on who can import diamonds pose challenges for quantum researchers who require lab-grown diamonds with specific defects.
- Quantum researchers focus on the "defects" in diamonds, such as nitrogen-vacancy centers, which are crucial for quantum computing and sensing applications.
Lab-Grown Diamond Production
- Despite India's strong position in cutting and polishing natural diamonds, the country is just beginning to manufacture lab-grown diamonds.
- Indian diamantaires currently lack the capability to produce diamonds with quantum-research-ready defects.
Maintaining Qubit States: Maintaining electrons in their qubit-like states in defect diamonds is a significant challenge for developing practical quantum computers.
Infrastructure and Expertise: Developing the necessary infrastructure and expertise for quantum technology research and manufacturing is essential for the mission's success.

QUBITS AND DEFECT DIAMONDS

Qubits:

Qubits are the basic units of quantum information, similar to classical bits but with the ability to be in superpositions of 0 and 1 simultaneously.
This property enables quantum computers to process information in ways that classical computers cannot.

Defect Diamonds:

Defect diamonds are diamonds with specific impurities or defects in their crystal lattice. One common type is the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center.
An NV center occurs when a nitrogen atom replaces a carbon atom next to a vacancy (a missing carbon atom) in the diamond’s structure.

Maintaining Qubit States:

Electron Spin:

In an NV center, the electron’s spin states (up and down) can act as qubits.
These spin states can be manipulated and measured using light (optical methods) and microwaves.

Challenges:

Decoherence: One major challenge is maintaining the coherence of the qubit states, meaning keeping the electron in a superposition state without it collapsing into a definite state due to environmental disturbances.
Isolation: Isolating the NV center from its surroundings (like other atoms and magnetic fields) is crucial to prevent decoherence.

Techniques to Maintain Qubit States:

Cryogenic Temperatures: Often, experiments are conducted at very low temperatures to reduce thermal vibrations that can disturb the qubit states.
Magnetic Shielding: Using materials to shield the NV center from external magnetic fields helps in maintaining the electron’s spin state.
Dynamical Decoupling: This technique involves applying sequences of microwave pulses to the NV center to average out the effects of environmental noise, thus preserving the qubit state for a longer time.
Purified Diamonds: Using diamonds with very few impurities other than the NV centers helps in reducing unwanted interactions that can cause decoherence.

About the Mission

The National Quantum Mission (NQM)of India, approved by the Union Cabinet on 19th April 2023, aims to foster a robust ecosystem for quantum technology research and development with a budget of ₹6003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
This mission seeks to position India as a leading nation in quantum technologies and applications (QTA).

Objectives of the National Quantum Mission

Development of Quantum Computers
- Build intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits over 8 years.
- Utilize various platforms, including superconducting and photonic technology.
Quantum Communication
- Establish satellite-based secure quantum communications over 2000 kilometers within India.
- Develop long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries.
- Implement inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 kilometers.
- Create multi-node quantum networks with quantum memories.
Quantum Sensing and Metrology
- Develop highly sensitive magnetometers in atomic systems.
- Create atomic clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation.
Quantum Materials and Devices
- Design and synthesize quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials.
- Develop single photon sources/detectors and entangled photon sources for quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications.

Implementation Strategy

Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs): Establish four Thematic Hubs in top academic and National R&D institutes focusing on:
1. Quantum Computing
2. Quantum Communication
3. Quantum Sensing & Metrology
4. Quantum Materials & Devices
Promote the generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research.
Encourage R&D in specific mandated areas.

Expected Impact

Technological Advancements: Position India as a leader in global quantum technology development.
Economic Growth: Drive economic growth through the development of a quantum technology ecosystem.
National Security: Enhance national security with advanced quantum cryptography and secure communication networks and protect critical data and communication infrastructure from potential quantum threats.
Sectoral Benefits: Benefit sectors such as communication, health, finance, and energy.
National Priorities: Boost national initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

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Lab grown diamonds

Sources:

Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: The National Quantum Mission is a strategic initiative that aims to harness the transformative potential of quantum technologies, ensuring India’s position as a global leader in the development and application of quantum advancements. Discuss. (250 Words)