Our cryogenic experts are making quantum applications extra cool…

Quantum technology: some basics

Quantum technology harnesses the strange and powerful laws of quantum mechanics: the science governing nature's smallest particles. Unlike classical systems that use binary bits (either 0 or 1), quantum devices use quantum bits or "qubits" that can exist in multiple states at the same time for instance. 

This is called super-positioning. In the world of atoms and particles things don’t behave like our everyday objects. A particle can be in multiple states at once—like a spinning coin that’s both heads and tails until it lands.

Now imagine you’re doing a crossword puzzle. Based on clues, your brain guesses words and letters as you go. Our computers work in a similar way, guessing answers one after another until a puzzle is solved. But because of super-positioning, a quantum computer makes use of those tiny quantum particles that can be in many states at once. So instead of checking one answer after another, they check millions of possibilities in a single go!

Quantum mechanics such as super-positioning enable exponential leaps in processing power, precision sensing, and secure communications. For Thales, quantum represents both a scientific frontier and a strategic imperative. As a global leader in defense, aerospace, and security, we're investing heavily in quantum research to develop next-generation capabilities in areas like unbreakable encryption, ultra-precise navigation, and revolutionary computing power—all while maintaining the technological sovereignty that defines our mission.

Why quantum matters to Thales

The potential applications of quantum technology align perfectly with our core domains. In defense and security, quantum sensors could detect submarines with unprecedented precision or enable navigation systems that don't rely on GPS. For cybersecurity, quantum cryptography offers theoretically un-hackable communication channels. And in computing, quantum processors could revolutionize everything from materials science to artificial intelligence.

But there's a catch: quantum systems are incredibly delicate. The qubits that power them are sensitive to their environment, particularly to heat. Even the slightest thermal fluctuation can cause quantum states to collapse, a phenomenon known as decoherence. That's why most quantum devices need to operate at temperatures close to absolute zero – that’s in Kelvin, not in Celsius, and colder than outer space – to maintain their quantum properties.

This is where our cryogenic cooling technology is a key enabler of the quantum revolution.

Keeping it cool

Developing practical quantum systems isn't just about building better qubits, it's about creating the environment they need to thrive. Our teams in Eindhoven and Toulouse are tackling one of the biggest hurdles in quantum technology: how to keep these systems cold enough to function reliably in real-world applications.

Our approach focuses on developing compact, efficient cryogenic systems capable of maintaining temperatures between 2 Kelvin and 80 Kelvin: that's between -271°C and -193°C. At these extremes, materials exhibit extraordinary properties like superconductivity, and quantum states remain stable long enough for meaningful computations.

From laboratory to industrial use

Building on decades of experience in cryogenic cooling for infrared sensors and space applications, we're now applying that expertise to quantum technologies. Our roadmap isn't just about achieving lower temperatures; it's about making quantum cooling practical, reliable, and scalable for industrial use.

For higher temperature quantum applications (around 40-80 Kelvin), we're optimising existing Stirling coolers. These are devices already proven in aerospace and defense applications. By refining our systems, we're making them more efficient while maintaining the compact size and robustness needed for deployment in everything from aircraft to field equipment. Our cryocoolers are also pretty much maintenance proof, and many of them can last decades without any needed interference. A great selling point, and a future cost reduction!

The real breakthrough comes at the ultra-low temperature range (2-4 Kelvin) where we're developing entirely new cooling architectures. We're pioneering a rack mountable Quantum Cooler that uses Joule-Thompson technology from Demcon in combination with low temperature cooler technology from Thales Cryogenics to achieve remarkable efficiency and reliability with a cooler that will be produced on a proven manufacturing base.
 

What comes next

The next few years will be critical as we transition from research and development to real-world deployment. Our immediate focus is on refining prototypes and preparing for production, ensuring our cryogenic solutions meet the demanding requirements of quantum applications.

But we're thinking bigger: by solving the cooling challenge, we're helping to remove one of the biggest obstacles to practical quantum technology. Whether it's quantum computers that can model complex molecular interactions, quantum sensors that can detect gravitational waves, or quantum communication networks that are fundamentally secure, our cooling technology could be the crucial enabler making it all possible.