Liam Hall grew up immersed in the mechanical world of farming in Australia, but his career trajectory has taken a sharp turn towards the technical realm in recent years.
Today, he heads the quantum biotechnology division at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.
Hall’s journey from grease-stained mechanic to quantum scientist may seem unusual, but it reflects his diverse background and passion for exploration. “I’ve had a bit of an unconventional path. My initial dream was to become a diesel mechanic. However, my journey led me to pursue engineering at university, which eventually introduced me to the fascinating world of quantum physics. It’s been quite a rollercoaster ride,” he reflects.
At CSIRO, Hall and his team are pioneering diagnostic technologies using cutting-edge quantum sensors. These sensors, crafted from minuscule diamond slivers approximately 50 nanometers in size (about 1,000 times finer than a human hair), are being utilized to measure patients’ iron levels with unprecedented precision.
Traditionally, iron levels are monitored through the measurement of ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body. However, Hall’s quantum sensors enable the direct measurement of iron levels within the protein by detecting the minute magnetic fields generated by the iron particles.
Looking ahead, Hall envisions a future where quantum technology revolutionizes diagnostics, providing early detection for various diseases by monitoring specific biomarkers such as hormones or proteins associated with conditions like cancer.
Quantum research is gaining momentum globally, with countries like Britain, China, and the United States investing heavily in unlocking the potential of quantum mechanics. Australia, too, sees quantum technology as a promising frontier for innovation and economic growth.
Quantum mechanics, which emerged in the early 20th century, offers a fundamentally different approach to computing by harnessing the properties of subatomic particles. Quantum computers, powered by qubits capable of existing in multiple states simultaneously, hold the promise of solving complex problems at unprecedented speeds.
One of the most intriguing aspects of quantum computing is its potential to revolutionize fields like healthcare, environmental science, and cybersecurity. Quantum algorithms could pave the way for rapid drug discovery, efficient energy storage solutions, and secure communication networks.
Despite the immense potential, quantum technology is still in its infancy, with numerous challenges to overcome. Maintaining quantum coherence, detecting and correcting errors, and scalability are just a few of the hurdles researchers face in realizing the full potential of quantum computing.
Nevertheless, the future looks promising, with quantum technology poised to usher in a new era of innovation and discovery. As Dr. Usman from CSIRO puts it, “My dream come true would be that large-scale quantum computers are available, and we can run quantum algorithms that I am developing to find solutions to the problems that we haven’t found yet, and that will revolutionize everything.”
