Exploring Quantum Technology

A milestone in quantum physics — rooted in a student project What began as a student's undergraduate thesis at Caltech — later continued as a graduate student at MIT — has grown into a collaborative experiment between researchers from MIT, Caltech, Harvard, Fermilab, and Google Quantum AI. Using Google’s Sycamore quantum processor, the team simulated traversable wormhole dynamics — a quantum system that behaves analogously to how certain wormholes are predicted to work in theoretical physics. Here’s what they did: Implemented two coupled SYK-like quantum systems on the processor that represent black holes in a holographic model. Sent a quantum state into one system. Applied an effective “negative energy” pulse to make the simulated wormhole traversable. Observed the state emerge on the other side — consistent with quantum teleportation. This wasn’t just classical computer modeling — it ran on real qubits, using 164 two-qubit quantum gates across nine qubits. Why it matters: The results are consistent with the ER=EPR conjecture, which suggests a deep link between quantum entanglement and spacetime geometry. In the holographic picture, patterns of entanglement can be interpreted as wormhole-like “bridges.” This experiment shows how quantum processors can begin to probe aspects of quantum gravity in a laboratory setting, complementing astrophysical observations and theoretical work. While no physical wormhole was created, this is a step toward using quantum computers to explore some of the most fundamental questions in physics. What breakthrough in science excites you most? Share your thoughts below — and let’s discuss how quantum computing is reshaping our understanding of reality. ♻️ Repost to help people in your network. And follow me for more posts like this. CC: thebrighterside

Turning Europe into a quantum industrial powerhouse Europe has been the cradle of quantum mechanics, the revolutionary science born from the genius of Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger, and other visionaries who rewrote the rules of physical reality. On 2 July 2025, in the year marking a centenary since the initial development of quantum mechanics, the Commission has adopted an ambitious European Quantum Strategy, integrating Europe's unique scientific heritage with its vibrant quantum ecosystem of startups, SMEs, large industries, research and technology organisations, academia and research institutes. The mission is clear: turn Europe into a quantum industrial powerhouse that transforms breakthrough science into market-ready applications, while maintaining its scientific leadership. We are imagining a Union where medical scans can detect illnesses at the earliest stages, accelerating from weeks of uncertainty to mere seconds of precise diagnosis; where sensors are able to warn about volcanic activity or water shortages before they happen; and where unprecedented computational power will be available to solve complex problems in logistics, finance and climate modelling. A safer Europe, where our personal data, critical infrastructure, and businesses will always remain private and well-protected; where transport systems are optimised to reduce congestion and prevent accidents; and air travel is guided by quantum-enhanced precision navigation, pinpointing objects' locations down to the centimetre. A greener Europe, where sustainable energy grids can flawlessly manage millions of electric vehicles charging simultaneously overnight. These tangible, transformative technologies are within reach through support from the EU Quantum Strategy. The quantum community has clearly outlined what's needed to achieve this future: · Combine Europe's scientific excellence to bring quantum breakthroughs rapidly to market · Develop advanced quantum supercomputers like the ones we are supporting under the Quantum Flagship and are acquiring under the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking to operate as accelerators next to our leading network of supercomputers · Deploy secure communication networks such as those under EuroQCI, our secure quantum communication infrastructure that will be spanning the whole EU, composed of a terrestrial segment relying on fibre communications networks linking strategic sites at national and cross-border level, and a space segment based on satellites · Support quantum startups and SMEs, enhancing supply chain resilience, and foster supranational innovation clusters · Integrate quantum advancements into strategic capabilities for security and defence, protecting citizens and infrastructure · Educate Europe's workforce through specialised initiatives like the European Quantum Skills Academy Quantum is not one more technology to add to the list; is a high tide that will deeply transform our society and economy.

World-First Molecular Quantum Entanglement Achieved at Durham University In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists at Durham University in the UK have successfully demonstrated quantum entanglement of molecules with a record-breaking fidelity of 92%. This marks the first time entanglement has been achieved with molecules, advancing quantum mechanics research and opening doors to revolutionary technologies in communication, sensing, and computing. Key Highlights: 1. Quantum Entanglement Basics: Quantum entanglement links particles such that the state of one influences the other, regardless of distance. This phenomenon is a cornerstone for developing next-generation quantum technologies, enabling faster communication and enhanced computational power. 2. ‘Magic-Wavelength’ Optical Tweezers: The team utilized highly precise optical traps known as magic-wavelength optical tweezers to create environments supporting long-lasting molecular entanglement. These advanced tools allowed for stable control and manipulation of molecular states. 3. Applications: • Quantum Networking: Entanglement over existing fiber optic cables could accelerate the real-world deployment of quantum networks without requiring extensive new infrastructure. • Quantum Computing and Sensing: Molecules, with their complex internal structures, offer new dimensions for computation and precision sensing, potentially surpassing the capabilities of entangled atoms. 4. Major Milestone: While entanglement between atoms has been repeatedly demonstrated, molecules bring added complexity due to their additional internal structures. Achieving high-fidelity entanglement with molecules is a significant step forward in the field. Implications for the Future: This breakthrough could lead to advancements in secure communication, more powerful quantum computers, and sophisticated sensing technologies. As quantum entanglement becomes more applicable to real-world systems, innovations like this set the stage for transformative developments in science and technology.

Three weeks ago, our Devsinc security architect, walked into my office with a chilling demonstration. Using quantum simulation software, she showed how RSA-2048 encryption – the same standard protecting billions of transactions daily – could theoretically be cracked in just 24 hours by a sufficiently powerful quantum computer. What took her classical computer billions of years to attempt, quantum algorithms could solve before tomorrow's sunrise. That moment crystallized a truth I've been grappling with: we're not just approaching a technological evolution; we're racing toward a cryptographic apocalypse. The quantum computing market tells a story of inevitable disruption, surging from $1.44 billion in 2025 to an expected $16.22 billion by 2034 – a staggering 30.88% CAGR that signals more than market enthusiasm. Research shows a 17-34% probability that cryptographically relevant quantum computers will exist by 2034, climbing to 79% by 2044. But here's what keeps me awake at night: adversaries are already employing "harvest now, decrypt later" strategies, collecting our encrypted data today to unlock tomorrow. For my fellow CTOs and CIOs: the U.S. National Security Memorandum 10 mandates full migration to post-quantum cryptography by 2035, with some agencies required to transition by 2030. This isn't optional. Ninety-five percent of cybersecurity experts rate quantum's threat to current systems as "very high," yet only 25% of organizations are actively addressing this in their risk management strategies. To the brilliant minds entering our industry: this represents the greatest cybersecurity challenge and opportunity of our generation. While quantum computing promises revolutionary advances in drug discovery, optimization, and AI, it simultaneously threatens the cryptographic foundation of our digital world. The demand for quantum-safe solutions will create entirely new career paths and industries. What moves me most is the democratizing potential of this challenge. Whether you're building solutions in Silicon Valley or Lahore, the quantum threat affects us all equally – and so does the opportunity to solve it. Post-quantum cryptography isn't just about surviving disruption; it's about architecting the secure digital infrastructure that will power humanity's next chapter. The countdown has begun. The question isn't whether quantum will break our current security – it's whether we'll be ready when it does.

Britain just built a quantum compass that navigates without GPS — and it never loses signal underground. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down, in partnership with Imperial College London, has developed a quantum accelerometer navigation system based on atom interferometry — a technique that measures the quantum mechanical wave properties of ultracold rubidium atoms to detect acceleration and rotation with a precision 1,000 times greater than any conventional accelerometer ever built. GPS works by triangulating signals from satellites orbiting 20,000 kilometres above Earth. It fails in tunnels, underwater, in dense urban canyons, and in any environment where the satellite signal is blocked or jammed. Modern warfare, submarine navigation, and underground infrastructure all share the same vulnerability: GPS blackout means position blackout. The quantum compass has no such vulnerability. It measures motion by tracking how ultracold atom clouds behave under acceleration — a physical process determined entirely by quantum mechanics, requiring no external signal, no satellite, and no radio frequency whatsoever. It simply knows where it is, always, because physics tells it. In field trials, the system maintained positional accuracy to within 1 metre after 1 hour of GPS-denied navigation — compared to 1 kilometre drift from the best conventional inertial navigation systems over the same period. The UK Ministry of Defence has classified the full deployment timeline. What is known: it works. Defence Science and Technology Laboratory — DSTL (2024)

On March 3, a commuter train left London carrying something no train has carried before. A quantum navigation system. Not in a lab. Not a simulation. On a live national railway, with passengers on board The UK became the first country to test quantum sensors on a mainline train. The system tracks position using tiny changes in motion and rotation No GPS. No satellites. No external signal needed. It works in tunnels, dense cities, and anywhere satellite signals fail Most quantum readiness conversations focus on cryptography. When will quantum break encryption. When should we migrate. Those are real questions. But they miss the bigger picture Quantum is already being deployed in physical infrastructure. Navigation, sensing, positioning. Real systems solving real operational problems today The consortium behind this includes Imperial College London, University of Sussex, the National Physical Laboratory, QinetiQ, and PA Consulting. Backed by Innovate UK. This is a government-backed national infrastructure project, not a startup demo This is what readiness looks like when you zoom out. Entire industries being reshaped by quantum capabilities that already work Rail is one of the first. Which sector adapts next?

Quantum navigation could solve the military’s GPS jamming problem - MIT Technology Review Amos Zeeberg The rise of GPS vulnerability is putting more resilient, atom-based navigational tools on the map. In late September, a Spanish military plane carrying the country’s defense minister to a base in Lithuania was reportedly the subject of a kind of attack—not by a rocket or anti-aircraft rounds, but by radio transmissions that jammed its GPS system.  The flight landed safely, but it was one of thousands that have been affected by a far-reaching Russian campaign of GPS interference since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The growing inconvenience to air traffic and risk of a real disaster have highlighted the vulnerability of GPS and focused attention on more secure ways for planes to navigate the gauntlet of jamming and spoofing, the term for tricking a GPS receiver into thinking it’s somewhere else.  US military contractors are rolling out new GPS satellites that use stronger, cleverer signals, and engineers are working on providing better navigation information based on other sources, like cellular transmissions and visual data.  But another approach that’s emerging from labs is quantum navigation: exploiting the quantum nature of light and atoms to build ultra-sensitive sensors that can allow vehicles to navigate independently, without depending on satellites. As GPS interference becomes more of a problem, research on quantum navigation is leaping ahead, with many researchers and companies now rushing to test new devices and techniques. In recent months, the US’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and its Defense Innovation Unit have announced new grants to test the technology on military vehicles and prepare for operational deployment.  #GPS #GPSSpoofing #Quantum #QuantumNavigation #DARPA

Bank for International Settlements – BIS has published "Quantum-readiness for the financial system: a roadmap" The document counts with well-known experts as co-authors: Raphael Auer, Andras Valko (BIS), Angela Dupont (BIS and Banque de France), Maryam Haghighi, Danica Marsden (Bank of Canada), Sarah McCarthy (University of Waterloo) , Donna F. Dodson, and Nicolas Margaine. It provides a comprehensive overview of the #QuantumSafety topic and how it applies to the financial sector systemically and to financial organizations individually. It is useful and insightful, including the most mature thought leadership. Some highlights on general messages: 👉 Trust in the financial system is fundamentally tied to the trust provided by cryptography. 👉 Implementation challenges require coordinated planning and bring an opportunity to build more resilient infrastuctures. 👉 In line with the Canadian roadmap, it emphasizes implementing robust governance structures. 👉 It recommends the implemantation of crypto-agility, understood as per the definition created by the FS-ISAC PQC WG (https://lnkd.in/dgzW_rn8). On "A systemic roadmap": 👉 The document underlines the need for a coordinated and proactive action plan by central banks, supervisory authorities and financial institutions around the world. 👉 Warns about the risk of dual-speed transitions: "In the absence of coordination, actors that are not adequately protected against the quantum threat could become weak links, impacting the security of the entire financial system." 👉 While not suggesting a timeline, the document calls for global alignment: "During the planning phase participants in the financial system translate the jointly agreed priorities and requirements into a system-level migration timeline and a set of common technical choices". 👉 It also recommends protections against the doom of backwards compatibility: "a cut-off date for phasing out legacy cryptographic protocols needs to be approved by all organisations that use those protocols". 👉 And covers the importance of cross-border alignment: "domestic plans need to be aligned with transition plans in other jurisdictions and in cross-border systems, such as multi-currency payment and settlement infrastructures". On organizations' roadmaps: 👉 Underlines the need to appoint an executive leader responsible for driving the programme. 👉 "Forming a dedicated, cross-functional team is essential in this initial phase. This team should include representatives from technology, legal, human resources, finance, operations and security departments". On responsibilities: 👉 "Central banks, as pivotal entities in the global financial system, are well positioned to support and lead the way to increased resilience. [...] Central banks can promote a proactive, systemic approach and help create the alignment necessary for coordinated action across the global financial system". https://lnkd.in/dU4fS4TX