quantum computers

Thales, Bull and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) are to work together on software for quantum computers, in a partnership linked to the French armed forces. The announcement highlights France's push to build sovereign quantum computing capabilities for defence applications, drawing attention from technology and science commentators.

Researchers report that a quantum simulator has captured a strange process capable of breaking quark strings, the bonds that hold quarks together inside particles. The experiment offers a way to observe string-breaking, a phenomenon in quantum chromodynamics that is otherwise out of reach for classical computers and conventional particle accelerators. Physicists say such simulations could deepen understanding of how matter behaves under extreme conditions.

Security publication BankInfoSecurity is asking whether organizations' networks are prepared for post-quantum cryptography, the shift to encryption methods that can withstand attacks from future quantum computers. The discussion comes as regulators and standards bodies push industries to begin migrating away from currently used public-key encryption before quantum capabilities make it vulnerable.

Researchers are working on three proposed fixes to protect Bitcoin from future quantum computers, which could theoretically break the cryptography securing bitcoin wallets. The debate centres on how to migrate coins to quantum-resistant addresses and what to do about vulnerable old holdings. The topic is drawing attention as quantum computing advances accelerate concerns across the crypto industry.

Intel has revealed it has a team of about 70 employees working on quantum computing, with CEO Pat Gelsinger betting the technology will be the next major frontier in computing. The move signals Intel is positioning itself alongside other tech giants pursuing quantum systems despite the field still being years away from commercial impact.