Enabling the Quantum Revolution: The Critical Role of Cryogenics

With 35 years of expertise in cryogenics, Thales develops advanced cooling solutions to meet the complex technical challenges of quantum applications, including sensors and calculators. As the world faces growing instability, the demand for these technologies is expected to rise quickly in order to reinforce the sovereignty and strategic autonomy of European defence.

Today, the global quantum race is accelerating in an unpredictable geopolitical context, leading to a growing demand for defence material. On the battlefield, strategic communications or navigation will soon be facilitated by new instruments equipped with revolutionary quantum sensors. The first prototypes of quantum computers are already seeing the light of day with applications at scale in less than 10 years. However, without cryogeny, there is no quantum as only very low temperatures can reduce the thermal noise (agitation of electrons and photons) that disrupts the functioning of quantum systems. Most current cryogenic coolers though currently incorporate components from Japan or the United States, limiting European sovereignty for these products. 

As a leading expert in cryogenics for over 35 years, Thales is dedicated to providing fully sovereign quantum cryogenic solutions for the future. Our specialist teams in Europe develop, manufacture, and maintain around 4,000 coolers each year. These devices are integrated into infrared detectors that deliver visibility over several kilometres—even at night—and are primarily used in defence applications, as well as in civil sectors such as portable cameras, vehicles, drones, aircraft, ships, missiles, and cybersecurity systems. Space is another key market: Thales coolers installed on satellites have already accumulated over 2 million hours of flight operation in orbit.

Drawing on extensive experience, Thales is well positioned to address the diverse needs of future quantum markets, including high-resolution quantum sensors and quantum computing equipment that must operate in a variety of conditions and timeframes. By 2028–2030, Thales will leverage its Group expertise and partnerships to develop advanced prototypes that combine complementary cooling technologies. The compact and lightweight rotary Stirling cooler stands out for its energy efficiency, while linear Stirling and pulse tube coolers are renowned for their long-term reliability, despite being larger and more energy-consuming. 

Applications and technical challenges of quantum cryogenics

Thales develops cryogenic solutions designed to equip quantum sensors for a range of strategic applications, including quantum sensing, quantum communications—such as broadband antennas and SQIFs (Superconducting Quantum Interference Filters)—and quantum computers that require extremely low operating temperatures. In the future, these technologies will replace the extremely large antennas currently used to capture all wavelengths. Thales has also developed prototypes of superconducting radio frequency (RF) filters to counteract communication jamming. Other applications under study include secure quantum communications using single-photon encrypted keys, which will make eavesdropping impossible, and in quantum computing for which Thales leads the national benchmark programme in France as well as through collaboration with start-ups in the DGA PROQCIMA initiative.

Thales is also focused on miniaturising its coolers while maintaining high cryogenic power—an essential requirement for use in confined environments. For example, Thales is developing highly compact and energy-efficient cooling solutions tailored to submarines. Another key challenge is ensuring that cryostats (ultra-cold vacuum chambers) and coolers with magnets are compatible with quantum sensors, which are extremely sensitive to electromagnetic fields. Additionally, for specific quantum applications, Thales is developing new families of coolers capable of reaching temperatures as low as 2 Kelvin (-271°C), compared to the current benchmark of 15 Kelvin for the company’s most powerful devices.

New products on the market by 2030

Once Thales’ quantum cryogenic technology reaches maturity, the company plans to begin large-scale production of qualified products by 2030. To support this goal, Thales is actively involved in collaborative projects with external partners. For instance, Thales receives funding from the National Research Agency (ANR) through the CryoNext initiative—a key part of France’s National Quantum Strategy, managed by the CEA and CNRS. Through this project, Thales will develop cryostats designed specifically for quantum applications. The company is also working with European partners to ensure the timely development of relevant products.

As the quantum sector continues to grow rapidly, Thales will recruit talent across all skill levels to support the development and manufacturing of future coolers, positioning itself to meet rising demand in this strategic market from 2028 to 2030.