Quantum sensing advantage for weather and climate research
Jason
Hyon
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Talk
(Invited)
Quantum technologies are poised to transform sensing, measurement, and computational capabilities for Earth science, planetary exploration, climate action, and sustainability. NASA, NSF, and other agencies are investing in quantum sensing, quantum computing, and quantum communications to address scientific and societal challenges that are increasingly urgent—such as climate change, resource management, and the need for more precise Earth and space observations. However, technology transition is a challenge: Moving from laboratory prototypes to space-qualified, robust, and low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) systems requires sustained investment, partnerships, and early field testing. Further, Interagency and international collaboration is critical to leverage expertise, accelerate development, and avoid duplication.
Key weather and climate drivers include:
• The limitations of classical sensors and computers in handling high-dimensional, high-fidelity, or ultra-sensitive measurements.
• The need for new approaches to climate modeling, forecasting, and mitigation.
• The opportunity to leverage quantum phenomena (superposition, entanglement, squeezing) for breakthroughs in measurement precision, sensitivity, and efficiency.
This talk will highlight several quantum sensing technologies with direct relevance to NASA and climate science:
• Atom Interferometers: Gravity, acceleration, and rotation sensing for Earth observation, hydrology, and planetary missions.
• Single-Photon Detectors: Enabling low-light, high-resolution imaging for astrophysics, exoplanet detection, and remote sensing.
• Rydberg Sensors: Broadband, highly sensitive RF field detection for radar, communications, and atmospheric studies.
• Quantum component technology: Novel approaches for force, displacement, and spectroscopic sensing.
As a conclusion of the talk, I will describe what mechanisms are needed to infuse quantum capability to the current climate research community and what facility and workforce development are useful in becoming quantum proficient.
Key weather and climate drivers include:
• The limitations of classical sensors and computers in handling high-dimensional, high-fidelity, or ultra-sensitive measurements.
• The need for new approaches to climate modeling, forecasting, and mitigation.
• The opportunity to leverage quantum phenomena (superposition, entanglement, squeezing) for breakthroughs in measurement precision, sensitivity, and efficiency.
This talk will highlight several quantum sensing technologies with direct relevance to NASA and climate science:
• Atom Interferometers: Gravity, acceleration, and rotation sensing for Earth observation, hydrology, and planetary missions.
• Single-Photon Detectors: Enabling low-light, high-resolution imaging for astrophysics, exoplanet detection, and remote sensing.
• Rydberg Sensors: Broadband, highly sensitive RF field detection for radar, communications, and atmospheric studies.
• Quantum component technology: Novel approaches for force, displacement, and spectroscopic sensing.
As a conclusion of the talk, I will describe what mechanisms are needed to infuse quantum capability to the current climate research community and what facility and workforce development are useful in becoming quantum proficient.
Presentation file
jason-hyon_0.pdf
(10.48 MB)