A photo taken on May 25, 2016 shows the quantum simulation laboratory under the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai. Photo: Xinhua

Core parts of some so-called quantum consumer goods only cost 3 yuan ($0.46), while finished products can be priced at nearly 40,000 yuan, a media investigation exposed. 

The wholesale price for the microchips used in so-called quantum bras and underpants is only 3 yuan each, while finished products can be priced at as much as 39,800 yuan, according to a report by The Beijing News. 

In recent years, the concept of quantum has entered the field of consumer goods with many products claiming to have health care and prevention functions such as promoting blood circulation and increasing body energy. 

Such so-called quantum products involve more than 10 categories of consumer goods including socks, bras, underpants, cups, cellphone cases, glasses and alcohols. 

The media investigation showed that an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) processing industrial chain has been formed for quantum products and the cost of OEM processing for quantum underwear is only 500 yuan per kilogram. 

China Consumers Association warned consumers on June 16 that so-called "quantum products" are pseudoscience and those magical effects are false publicity. 

Experts like Chinese quantum physicist Pan Jianwei, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, told the media that quantum technology is mainly used in areas such as quantum communication and quantum computing. Because of its harsh requirements on the test environment and high economic cost, quantum technology is difficult to be widely used in civil fields. At present, all those daily necessities that claim to contain quantum are generally hyping up the concept and swindling consumers. 

Global Times