Research and Innovation

The new world of quantum

The first quantum revolution enabled the invention of technologies – such as the laser and the transistor – that have changed the world. The second revolution has the potential for even greater upheaval, and it’s happening right now.

© Kakkoi Studio

The future will be open, or it will not be!

The potential unlocked by what Nobel Prize winner Alain Aspect calls “the second quantum revolution” is staggering.    

It is revolutionising the way we see the world and opening the door to extraordinary inventions.  

In the face of this huge array of possibilities, we need to find the right balance between “hard science” and concrete applications. And this is where Thales’ strength has lain since the company was founded .

Stéphanie Molin at the Thales Research & Technology (TRT) laboratory in Palaiseau © Thomas Behuret. Thales

Within reach of unprecedented power

Stéphanie Molin is Quantum Communications R & D Lead. 

​​​“​​​Even though a computer capable of processing qubits remains the Holy Grail, the potential of quantum extends well beyond the field of computing. There are huge opportunities in the field of sensors for metrology, and in communications. To unlock this potential, we have adopted a pragmatic approach that combines fundamental science with cutting-edge engineering, which will enable us to be an industry pioneer.”

In its 20 years of existence, our laboratory at Palaiseau has built a global reputation in the field of quantum sensors.

Bertrand Demotes - VP, Key Technical Domain Hardware

Thales and quantum technology

Thales VPs Bertrand Demotes and David Sadek talk about the vast potential of quantum sensors and quantum computing.

Tomorrow’s technology: quantum

Explore the work of our researchers

Rare earth-based processors

Meet Perrine Berger, Optical and Quantum processors expert

Rare-earth based processors will make ultra-secure quantum communications possible over long distances, via quantum repeaters.

NV diamond quantum sensors

Meet Thierry Debuisschert, Quantum sensors expert. 

A disruptive technology requiring no cooling that will enable the installation of light, compact sensors in environments with limited space.

Cold atom inertial sensors

Meet Matthieu Dupont Nivet, Cold atom inertial sensors expert. 

Cold atom technology will enable compact sensors that determine a vehicle’s position with unprecedented precision and without the aid of GPS.

Quantum RF antenna

Meet Juan Trastoy Quintela, Quantum antenna expert at the joint CNRS-Thales physics lab. 

Quantum physics and a nanoscale superconducting material are being used to develop and build extremely compact antennae capable of receiving every type of signal.

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