Quantum computing will bring about a technological revolution in the field of security and defense

Technology is advancing so fast that we seem to be living in a constant digital revolution. However, what has been achieved so far is part of the evolution of binary computing. It is from this moment on, with the introduction of quantum computing, that we can refer to an authentic new technological revolution.

Let's start by being clear about how the two computations differ. While traditional computers make use of the binary system, which means that they are made up of digital bits that can have a value of 1 or 0, quantum computers are made up of quantum bits or qubits, which can exist in multiple states at the same time. That is, a qubit can represent the value 1, 0 or 1 and 0 simultaneously, which multiplies the response possibilities in such a way that the time required to process a task is accelerated exponentially. In this way, quantum computers will be able to solve optimization and process simulation problems that conventional computers would take thousands of years to achieve. Impressive!

Of all the possibilities that this new technology will offer, quantum sensing, which augments and expands human senses, stands out. It is easy to imagine how much this could mean for defense and security issues. In this sense, Thales is already working on some projects related to quantum computing.

One of the most advanced and remarkable is the development of miniature quantum antennas (they fit in the palm of the hand). Their most outstanding feature is that they will be able to detect communication signals in a large part of the radiofrequency spectrum, thus offering an important military advantage at low frequencies. These Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUID) have the capacity to fulfill the same task as an antenna several meters high. But they may also have applications in other areas, such as brain imaging and particle detection.

But quantum computing does not stop there. In fact, Thales has other projects, such as solid-state quantum sensors, which have demonstrated their ability to measure extremely subtle magnetic fields. Or cold atom technology, which the company is working on for future quantum inertial navigation systems for aircraft. The future awaits us...