A conceptual framework for describing the future impacts of quantum sensors to national security

This research aims to describe the potential impact of quantum sensors on the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community using a conceptual framework derived from an extensive literature review. The goal is to provide senior science and technology professionals and advisors with an architecture to discern the tangible impacts of quantum sensing systems on national security. The review consists of open-source scholarly publications and open-source datasets from Statista. Using this literature review, six variables were identified as having the highest potential to impact the development and application of quantum sensing systems. These variables are technical innovation, sensor application, national development, resource availability, human capital, and capital investment. This framework allows for the assessment of various categories of quantum sensors, such as atomic clocks, quantum electromagnetic sensors, quantum gravimeters, and quantum inertial sensors, in terms of their potential impact on national security.