Quantum physics meets the smartphone

The quantum touchscreen idea was created by Peratech, based in North Yorkshire, who claim that the new technology will afford users greater interaction with applications, as they will be able to navigate down through menus with a single touch, or have more complicated gesture inputs.

The new technology makes use of the phenomena known as Quantum Tunneling - something that is considered impossible by classical physics.

How this works: Nanoparticles in the material are pushed closer together by the pressure of a finger on the screen. Once they’re close enough together, the particles act as waves and pass between them.

Peratech signed a $1.4 million deal with Nissha, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of touchscreens, last week.

Other reports have confirmed that Peratech have also secured a deal with Samsung to make four-way joypad controls for its handsets.

Now all that’s needed is for Mobile OSs to include the technology within its software, such as apps, widgets and UIs. If this doesn’t happen the technology could go unused. Lets hope this isn’t the case - we’d quite like a quantum mobile phone!