SK Telecom, Kogas to detect gas leaks with quantum technology

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SK Telecom, Kogas to detect gas leaks with quantum technology

Representatives from SK Telecom, Korea Gas Corp., Quantum Sensing and Korea Plant Maintenance pose with their agreement on Tuesday. [SK TELECOM]

Representatives from SK Telecom, Korea Gas Corp., Quantum Sensing and Korea Plant Maintenance pose with their agreement on Tuesday. [SK TELECOM]

 
SK Telecom has developed a quantum sensing technique to detect gas leaks in a move that widens the application of quantum-based technology.
 
In an agreement signed Tuesday, the telecommunications company will partner with Korea Gas Corp. (Kogas), Quantum Sensing and Korea Plant Maintenance to supply the state-run gas company with a quantum sensing-based gas safety system.
 
Quantum sensing refers to a technology that uses the analysis of atoms and photons, the tiniest particle of light possible, to ensure measurements with the highest possible sensitivity.
 
Quantum Gas Imaging is designed to “detect gas leaks and measure gas concentration by illuminating the target with lasers and analyzing reflected wavelengths, notifying the control center of possible risks in real time,” according to the company.
 
Compared to the widely-used infrared system, it promises to detect leaks from significantly further away — from a range of 150 meters (492 feet) — and identify leaks with a lower concentration of gas.
 
SK Telecom and Kogas plan to test-operate the advanced detection system this year at a large-sized gas facility.
 
The system is the latest in a series of attempts by SK Telecom to use quantum-based technology.  
 
It developed a quantum random number generator (QRNG) chip to be used in security systems and then released a smartphone fitted with the chip in May in cooperation with Samsung Electronics.  
 
The company plans to continue to expand its range of quantum projects.
 
“With Quantum gas imaging, we move one step closer to a safer society realized through technology,” said Park Jin-hyo, head of the security business at SK Telecom. “We will continue to develop diverse innovative services that can enhance people’s safety using quantum sensing technology.”
  
BY PARK EUN-JEE   [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]
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