How quantum technology could revolutionise the detection and treatment of diseases

Quantum sensors could transform a range of areas from atomic clocks and the way we measure electromagnetic radiation. Image credit - Heiko Grandel for the institute of quantum optics from Ulm.

When you hear the word ‘quantum’, you may imagine physicists working on a new ground breaking theory. Or perhaps you’ve read about quantum computers and how they might change the world. But one lesser-known field is also starting to reap the benefits of the quantum realm – medicine. As part of the EU’s Quantum Technologies Flagship … Read more

Quantum simulation could help flights run on time

Quantum simulators could help solve logistical challenges, such as making sure planes and airline crew are in the right place in order for flights to run smoothly. Image credit - Pixabay/ Free-Photos, licensed under pixabay license

A powerful new form of computing could help scientists design new types of materials for nanoelectronics, allow airlines to solve complex logistical problems to ensure flights run on time, and tackle traffic jams to keep cars flowing more freely on busy roads. While modern digital computers are capable of impressive feats of calculation, there are some … Read more

Quantum – a double-edged sword for cryptography

Cryptography that would be impossible for a regular computer to crack, would take a quantum computer just seconds.

Quantum computers pose a big threat to the security of modern communications, deciphering cryptographic codes that would take regular computers forever to crack. But drawing on the properties of quantum behaviour could also provide a route to truly secure cryptography. Defence, finance, social networking – communications everywhere rely on cryptographic security. Cryptography involves jumbling up … Read more

‘Quantum computers will soon outperform classical machines’

As a quantum computer can be in many states at the time it enables the calculation of many possibilities at once, says Dr Thomas Monz. Image credit - Flickr/IBM Research, licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

European scientists have spent 100 years developing the field of quantum mechanics – a branch of physics dealing with the atomic and subatomic scale – and we need to reap the profits now that quantum computers and other technologies are becoming a reality, according to Dr Thomas Monz from the University of Innsbruck, Austria. He … Read more