Quantum computing is Depends on the person you ask, either a distant dream or an imminent reality. Although most of the quantum villages at the Defcon security conference in Las Vegas focus on emerging research and threat analysis, village co-founders Victoria Kumaran and Mark Carney are also working to make the quantum technology currently available to use for hackers and anyone else.
During Saturday’s main stage Defcon talk, the pair will offer an open source and affordable quantum sensor that can offer a variety of uses, from medical technology to GPS alternatives. All of this is powered by special but affordable diamonds with special atomic properties. The first generation design can be assembled for around $120 to $160 depending on the supplier and shipping time. The second version that Kumaran and Carney showcased this weekend could be built for less, and they said they will release a third version based on community testing and investment, and they hope they hope it will cost only $50 to build.
Quantum sensors detect extremely small changes in magnetic and electric fields, thus achieving ultra-simple measurements. For example, the atomic clock that maintains almost perfect time is a quantum sensor that has been used for decades. But for researchers and enthusiasts interested in more about quantum perception, entry barriers have been high. Therefore, the relatively affordable open source “Uncut Gem” project of Quantum Village creates real opportunities for more people to build their own quantum sensors and explore technology.
“You can do things you can’t do before, like starting to build portable MRI-style devices that can be used in all different countries,” Kumaran told Wired before the speech. “These are diamonds with flaws, synthetic diamonds, the cheapest diamonds you can get. I think synthetic diamonds have that utility a little poetic.”
Most components required for quantum sensors are simple off-the-shelf computing parts, but diamonds need to be what are called “nitrogen-glue diamonds”. Its special molecular properties are due to the presence of nitrogen atoms that replace certain carbon atoms in the diamond atomic structure.
In addition to potential medical applications, quantum sensors can also be used to track electromagnetic interference as alternative navigation techniques. In the event of global system failure, these tools can be used as local alternatives to GPS. US Space Force is currently testing a release called the “highest quantum inertial sensor tested in space.”
But for the vast majority of people who don’t have access to the world’s highest performing quantum sensors, the uncut GEM project represents an opportunity to democratize and expand quantum sensing technology. The project is connected to other hacking areas that have targeted low-cost, accessible designs and components.
Independent researcher David Gessa has been testing uncut GEM schematics and code.
