quantum computing researchers

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 have used a quantum simulator to observe a process capable of breaking quark strings, the bonds that bind quarks together inside particles. The simulation offers a rare window into string-breaking, a phenomenon in quantum chromodynamics that is otherwise impossible to track directly because quarks cannot be isolated. Physicists say such simulators could help probe questions that classical computers cannot handle.

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.