Quantum Cryptography &amp; Cybersecurity: Post-Quantum Security &amp; QKD

Coinbase CEO Says Potential Quantum Computing Threats Are “Solvable”

Coinbase is proactively preparing for a future threat to cryptocurrency security by establishing an advisory board dedicated to quantum computing. Announced last month, the board will focus on assessing the implications of quantum computing and developing strategies to mitigate potential risks to blockchains, even those years away. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong believes the issue is “solvable” and asserts the company is already “front-footed” in addressing it, stating, “We’re in regular contact with the major blockchains about a path to upgrade to a post-quantum cryptography world,” and that they are “going to stay engaged on that.” This move comes as concerns mount within the investment community – with investor Kevin O’Leary recently warning that quantum computing fears could discourage institutional investment in Bitcoin. Coinbase Proactive Approach to Post-Quantum Cryptography A fully quantum computer could, in theory, unravel the cryptographic foundations of Bitcoin within the next decade, prompting significant preemptive action from cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase. Brian Armstrong, Coinbase CEO, described quantum computing as a very “solvable” issue during a CNBC interview, asserting his company is already “front-footed” in tackling the potential challenges. Coinbase established an advisory board last month specifically to evaluate quantum computing’s impact and prepare for future “threats,” even those distant in time. This board will not simply react, but actively disseminate knowledge through published research papers and real-time threat response. Quantum Computing Threatens Bitcoin’s Public/Private Key Security The potential for quantum computers to compromise the cryptographic foundations of Bitcoin is now a significant concern within the cryptocurrency industry, with some anticipating impacts on investment strategies. Kevin O’Leary expressed these anxieties earlier this week, noting that fears surrounding quantum computing “could deter institutional inve

Tectonic Labs Releases PQ Wallet and Post-Quantum Audit Services for EVM Chains

Tectonic Labs Releases PQ Wallet and Post-Quantum Audit Services for EVM Chains Tectonic Labs has released PQ Wallet, a browser-based EVM extension supporting Falcon-512 quantum-resistant signatures. The implementation operates at the application layer, maintaining compatibility with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chains without necessitating modifications to Layer 1 protocols. The wallet is currently available for Chrome and Firefox, with additional command-line interface (CLI) support for automated developer workflows and integration into existing protocol infrastructures. The architecture provides two distinct operating modes to manage the transition from classical to post-quantum cryptography. The “Quantum-secure” mode utilizes Falcon-512 signatures immediately, which results in higher transaction fees due to the increased data size of quantum-resistant keys and signatures. The “Quantum-ready” mode employs classical signing for current economic efficiency while pre-configuring post-quantum parameters during account creation, allowing for a modular upgrade to quantum resistance without requiring a full wallet migration. Alongside the software interface, Tectonic Labs has introduced PQ Audits to assist protocols in mapping cryptographic dependencies and identifying quantum-relevant risks. These assessments range from documentation-based reviews aligned with CNSA 2.0 and NIST standards to full-scope code audits that generate a cryptographic bill of materials. The service is designed to produce executable migration plans that account for governance timelines and the coexistence of legacy and post-quantum systems during staged rollouts. For further technical details and access to the post-quantum migration framework, consult the official announcement here. February 21, 2026 Mohamed Abdel-Kareem2026-02-21T07:26:46-08:00 Leave A Comment Cancel replyComment Type in the text displayed above Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed

Quantum Systems Linked with Near-Perfect Data Transfer

Scientists are continually striving to improve the efficiency of quantum teleportation, a process vital for secure quantum communication and computation. Ravi Kamal Pandey from the Department of Physics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, and Shraddha Singh from Nehru Gram Bharti (Deemed to be University), working with Dhiraj Yadav from IILM University and Devendra Kumar Mishra from Banaras Hindu University, have demonstrated a significant advance in this field. Their research details a method for achieving near-perfect quantum teleportation between distinct types of quantum encoding, discrete and continuous variables, utilising a hybrid entangled resource. This is particularly noteworthy as teleportation from discrete to continuous variables has historically been less efficient than the reverse process, and this new approach, employing cross-Kerr nonlinearity and linear optical components, overcomes this limitation, potentially paving the way for more robust and versatile quantum networks. For decades, fully realising the potential of quantum communication has been hampered by the difficulty of transferring information between different types of quantum systems. Now, a method achieving near-perfect teleportation between distinct quantum encodings offers a major step forward, potentially unlocking more flexible and powerful quantum networks. Scientists are increasingly focused on the reliable transmission of quantum information, a field with implications for secure communication and advanced computation. Quantum teleportation, a process of transferring quantum states, offers a potential solution, yet achieving perfect state transfer remains a significant challenge. A qubit, the basic unit of quantum information, can be encoded in the polarization of a single photon (discrete-variable or DV) or in the superposition of phase-opposite coherent states of an optical field (continuous-variable or CV). DV systems, while convenient, are more susceptible to sign

Atomic Vapour Cells Enable Scalable Entanglement Swapping

Researchers demonstrate a crucial advancement in quantum networking by achieving high-rate, scalable entanglement swapping between remote sources utilising existing New York City fibre infrastructure. Alexander N. Craddock and Tyler Cowan, working at Qunnect Inc. and the Center for Quantum Information Physics at New York University respectively, led the study in collaboration with Niccolò Bigagli, Suresh Yekasiri, Dylan Robinson, Gabriel Bello Portmann, Ziyu Guo, Michael Kilzer, Jiapeng Zhao, Mael Flament, Javad Shabani, Reza Nejabati and Mehdi Namazi from Qunnect Inc. and Cisco Quantum Labs. This work overcomes significant hurdles in maintaining photon indistinguishability and entanglement fidelity over deployed fibres, achieving a swapping rate of nearly 500 pairs per second with a CHSH parameter exceeding 2 on a 17.6-km network. The successful demonstration utilising standard components like commercially available detectors and time synchronisation techniques represents a substantial step towards building practical, large-scale quantum networks for applications ranging from secure communication to distributed sensing. The demonstration overcomes a key hurdle in scaling up quantum communication by using simple, widely available components, promising secure data transmission and distributed computing power beyond the reach of conventional technology. Researchers have achieved a significant advance in quantum networking, demonstrating a scalable entanglement swapping experiment exceeding 470 entangled photon pairs per second. This breakthrough relies on a new architecture utilising warm atomic vapor cells as naturally indistinguishable entanglement sources, a departure from methods requiring precise laser synchronization or pulsed sources. The work addresses a long-standing challenge in building quantum repeaters, blind quantum computing systems, and distributed quantum sensors, efficiently connecting quantum devices over existing telecommunication infrastructure. P

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Adams Bridge Accelerator: Bridging the Post-Quantum Transition

Paper 2026/256 Adams Bridge Accelerator: Bridging the Post-Quantum Transition Mojtaba Bisheh-Niasar, Microsoft (United States) Emre Karabulut, Microsoft (United States) Kiran Upadhyayula, Microsoft (United States) Michael Norris, Microsoft (United States) Bharat Pillilli, Microsoft (United States) Abstract Quantum computing threatens widely deployed public-key cryptosystems, driving the urgent adoption of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) in cloud and hardware-accelerated security infrastructures. This paper presents Adams Bridge, an industry-grade hardware accelerator for lattice-based PQC that integrates ML-KEM and ML-DSA within a unified architecture to maximize hardware reuse and silicon efficiency. The design features a staged, pipelined datapath that exploits multi-level parallelism to accelerate polynomial operations shared by both schemes. An optimized NTT/INTT and point-wise multiplication engine is tightly coupled with a high-throughput Keccak core and efficient hardware sampling, reducing memory overhead and eliminating pipeline stalls. Synthesized in 5 nm technology and operating at 600 MHz, Adams Bridge achieves the best reported normalized Area-Time (AT) efficiency among unified designs, offering a 27% AT improvement for ML-DSA compared to state-of-the-art architectures. The three phases of ML-DSA complete in 26, 61, and 31 $\mu$s, respectively, while ML-KEM takes 11, 14, and 20 $\mu$s for its corresponding stages. To address physical attack vectors, the accelerator embeds hardware-level side-channel countermeasures, including masking, shuffling, and constant-time control and arithmetic, mitigating information leakage without compromising performance. Empirical TVLA evaluation up to one million traces confirms the elimination of first-order leakage in critical datapaths. Targeted for deployment within the open-source Caliptra Root of Trust (RoT), Adams Bridge represents the first open-source PQC accelerator under the Apache 2.0 license designed for real-

Quantum eMotion Corp. Uplisted to NYSE American, Expanding U.S. Market Access

Quantum eMotion Corp. announced today, February 20, 2026, that its common shares have been approved for listing and will begin trading on the NYSE American under the ticker symbol “QNC” on or about February 24, 2026. This uplisting represents a key step in the company’s plan to broaden its investor base and increase access to U.S. capital markets, while simultaneously ceasing trading on the OTCQB. Quantum eMotion, a pioneering force in cybersecurity solutions, leverages a patented Quantum Random Number Generator to provide enhanced protection for valuable assets. “The uplisting to the NYSE American marks a significant advancement in the Company’s strategy,” said Francis Bellido, Chief Executive Officer of Quantum eMotion Corp., signaling a move to address the growing demand for affordable hardware and software security. NYSE American Listing and Ticker Symbol “QNC” Quantum eMotion Corp. The company, currently traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “QNC”, the OTCQB as “QNCCF”, and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as “34Q0”, will adopt the “QNC” ticker symbol on the NYSE American as well. This listing represents a deliberate strategy to “expand its shareholder base and increase its U.S. capital markets exposure,” according to the company. Investors holding shares on the OTCQB are advised to “monitor their accounts to ensure that their holdings correctly reflect the new ticker symbol” following the transition. The shift to a major U.S. exchange isn’t merely a financial maneuver; it underscores the growing recognition of quantum-resistant security as a critical component of modern infrastructure. QeM has “become a pioneering force in classical and quantum cybersecurity solutions” by exploiting the inherent unpredictability of quantum mechanics. It is important to note that the company acknowledges inherent risks, stating that forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties, including “delays in or failure to complete listing-related processes” and “chan

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Entropic Barriers and the Kinetic Suppression of Topological Defects

--> Quantum Physics arXiv:2602.16777 (quant-ph) [Submitted on 18 Feb 2026] Title:Entropic Barriers and the Kinetic Suppression of Topological Defects Authors:Yi-Lin Tsao, Zhu-Xi Luo View a PDF of the paper titled Entropic Barriers and the Kinetic Suppression of Topological Defects, by Yi-Lin Tsao and Zhu-Xi Luo View PDF HTML (experimental) Abstract:Many quantum phases, from topological orders to superfluids, are destabilized at finite temperature by the proliferation and motion of topological defects such as anyons or vortices. Conventional protection mechanisms rely on energetic gaps and fail once thermal fluctuations exceed the gap scale. Here we examine a complementary mechanism of entropic protection, in which defect nucleation is suppressed by coupling to mesoscopic auxiliary reservoirs of dimension $M$, generating an effective free-energy barrier that increases with temperature. In the Ising chain, this produces a characteristic three-regime evolution of the correlation length as a function of temperature - linear growth, entropy-controlled plateau, and eventual breakdown - indicating a general modification of defect behavior. Focusing on two spatial dimensions, where true finite-temperature topological order is forbidden in the thermodynamic limit, we show that entropic protection can nevertheless strongly enhance stabilization at finite system size, the regime directly relevant for quantum memory and experiments. Owing to the topological character of the defects, creation and transport are independently suppressed, yielding a double parametric reduction of logical errors in the entropic toric code and enhanced coherence when the framework is extended to Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transitions. Entropic barriers thus provide a passive and scalable route to stabilizing quantum phases in experimentally relevant regimes. We propose an experimental setup for entropic toric code using dual species Rydberg arrays with dressing. Comments: Subjects: Quantum Physi

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Quantum-Channel Matrix Optimization for Holevo Bound Enhancement

--> Quantum Physics arXiv:2602.17065 (quant-ph) [Submitted on 19 Feb 2026] Title:Quantum-Channel Matrix Optimization for Holevo Bound Enhancement Authors:Hong Niu, Chau Yuen, Alexei Ashikhmin, Lajos Hanzo View a PDF of the paper titled Quantum-Channel Matrix Optimization for Holevo Bound Enhancement, by Hong Niu and 3 other authors View PDF HTML (experimental) Abstract:Quantum communication holds the potential to revolutionize information transmission by enabling secure data exchange that exceeds the limits of classical systems. One of the key performance metrics in quantum information theory, namely the Holevo bound, quantifies the amount of classical information that can be transmitted reliably over a quantum channel. However, computing and optimizing the Holevo bound remains a challenging task due to its dependence on both the quantum input ensemble and the quantum channel. In order to maximize the Holevo bound, we propose a unified projected gradient ascent algorithm to optimize the quantum channel given a fixed input ensemble. We provide a detailed complexity analysis for the proposed algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed quantum channel optimization yields higher Holevo bounds than input ensemble optimization. Comments: Subjects: Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Information Theory (cs.IT) Cite as: arXiv:2602.17065 [quant-ph]   (or arXiv:2602.17065v1 [quant-ph] for this version)   https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2602.17065 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration) Submission history From: Hong Niu [view email] [v1] Thu, 19 Feb 2026 04:15:03 UTC (306 KB) Full-text links: Access Paper: View a PDF of the paper titled Quantum-Channel Matrix Optimization for Holevo Bound Enhancement, by Hong Niu and 3 other authorsView PDFHTML (experimental)TeX Source view license Current browse context: quant-ph < prev   |   next > new | recent | 2026-02 Change to browse by: cs cs.IT math math.IT Ref

Secure Data Link Spans 18km Via Free Space

Researchers are addressing the critical challenge of secure long-distance communication through the demonstration of intermodal quantum key distribution over free-space links. Edoardo Rossi, Ilektra Karakosta-Amarantidou, and Matteo Padovan, from the Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Universit`a degli Studi di Padova, led a collaborative effort with colleagues at ThinkQuantum s.r.l. and the Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology, National Council of Research of Italy, to achieve this breakthrough. The team, including Marco Taffarello and Antonio Vanzo, successfully implemented a real-time key distribution field trial across an 18km free-space channel, utilising adaptive optics to mitigate turbulence-induced wavefront aberrations. This work represents a significant step towards scalable and interoperable quantum networks, demonstrating secure key generation at 200 bit/s with compact, room-temperature detectors and providing a validated model for predicting fibre coupling efficiency in future intermodal systems. Secure communications could soon span vast distances without relying on vulnerable infrastructure. This advance paves the way for unhackable networks linking cities and even countries. By successfully transmitting encryption keys through the air over 18 kilometres, utilising standard detectors and adaptive optics, a practical quantum network is now within reach. Scientists are increasingly focused on building quantum networks capable of seamlessly integrating different transmission methods, such as optical fibres and free-space links. Achieving this interoperability is vital for creating scalable and flexible quantum communication systems, potentially linking terrestrial and satellite-based terminals. Extending quantum key distribution (QKD) to long-distance free-space links presents considerable challenges. Atmospheric turbulence distorts the wavefront of light, severely hindering efficient coupling into the single-mode fibres essential for rec

SEALSQ Increases Strategic Investment in EeroQ to Advance “Quantum Made in USA” Strategy

SEALSQ Increases Strategic Investment in EeroQ to Advance “Quantum Made in USA” Strategy SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) has finalized a second strategic investment in EeroQ, a U.S.-based quantum hardware company developing an architecture based on electrons on superfluid helium (eHe). This follow-on investment, executed through the SEALQUANTUM.com platform, builds upon SEALSQ’s initial entry into EeroQ in December 2025. The capital injection is part of a broader “Quantum Made in USA” strategy intended to establish a sovereign, vertical security stack that integrates post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with scalable quantum processing units (QPUs). The eHe architecture utilizes electron spins trapped on a superfluid helium surface, a method that offers long coherence times and CMOS-compatible fabrication. EeroQ recently validated a control architecture—centered on its Wonder Lake chip—capable of managing up to one million qubits using fewer than 50 physical control lines. This addresses the “wire problem” inherent in superconducting and trapped-ion systems, where the thermal and physical overhead of thousands of individual coaxial cables often prevents large-scale integration. By reducing system complexity and power dissipation, EeroQ’s platform allows for ultra-compact quantum processors potentially as small as a thumbnail. As part of this expanded partnership, SEALSQ and EeroQ will develop a Proof of Concept (PoC) at the SEALSQ Quantum Center of Excellence in Geneva. This platform will demonstrate a complete “Quantum Security Vertical Stack,” linking SEALSQ’s secure semiconductor hardware and PKI services with EeroQ’s quantum processing roadmap. This “Quantum Highway” initiative is designed to create a trusted industrial pipeline where secure classical and quantum processing coexist, providing a reference architecture for national security and critical infrastructure providers evaluating quantum-resistant systems. Consult the official announcement for the second investment

Networks Achieve Quantum Data Transfer over 30km Fibre

Scientists are advancing quantum communication networks by successfully demonstrating quantum teleportation of weak coherent polarization states on a metropolitan fibre. Zofia A. Borowska from Deutsche Telekom AG, Shane Andrewski from Qunnect Inc, and Giorgio De Pascalis from the Institute for Photonic Quantum Systems (PhoQS), Center for Optoelectronics and Photonics Paderborn (CeOPP), and Department of Physics, Paderborn University, led a collaborative effort involving researchers from Deutsche Telekom AG, Qunnect Inc, and Orbit GmbH. This research represents a significant step towards practical quantum networking, as the team achieved 90% average teleportation fidelity over a 30km field-deployed fibre loop within Deutsche Telekom’s Berlin testbed, crucially utilising commercial components and coexisting with live classical data channels. The demonstration validates the potential for integrating quantum key distribution and other quantum protocols into existing telecommunications infrastructure, paving the way for secure and high-performance future networks. Can quantum communication function alongside existing internet traffic on standard fibre optic cables. Experiments in Berlin confirm it can, successfully ‘teleporting’ information using a live telecommunications network. This achievement moves quantum networks closer to practical deployment, paving the way for genuinely secure data transmission. Scientists are increasingly focused on the potential of quantum networks to connect advanced technologies such as quantum computers, sensors, and timing devices. Realising this potential demands a demonstration of fundamental quantum protocols, including quantum teleportation, operating within the constraints of existing telecommunications infrastructure. At the core of this demonstration lies a sophisticated system employing a local Bell-state measurement. This measurement acts upon photons at 795nm originating from both a weak coherent source and a bichromatic warm-at

Quantum eMotion to Transition Trading Operations to NYSE American Exchange

Quantum eMotion to Transition Trading Operations to NYSE American Exchange Quantum eMotion Corp. (TSXV: QNC, FSE: 34Q0) has received approval to list its common shares on the NYSE American. Trading is scheduled to commence at market open on approximately February 24, 2026, under the ticker symbol “QNC”. Upon the effectiveness of this listing, the company will terminate its trading activities on the OTCQB venture market while maintaining its current listings on the TSX Venture Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The company specializes in quantum-safe cybersecurity hardware and software, utilizing a patented Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) based on electron tunneling. This technology is being integrated into CMOS-compatible semiconductors (65nm) to provide hardware-rooted entropy for encryption keys. Current development efforts include the eCore-Q hardware module and the Qastle quantum-safe hot wallet, which integrates post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to secure digital assets against both classical and quantum computational threats. Quantum eMotion’s commercial strategy targets high-security sectors, including financial services, healthcare, and blockchain infrastructure. Recent technical milestones include the pursuit of FIPS 140-3 validation for its Quantum Crypto Module and the development of quantum-secured battery energy storage systems (BESS) for critical infrastructure. The move to the NYSE American is intended to increase institutional exposure and liquidity as the company transitions from research and development to the commercialization of its “Entropy-as-a-Service” model. For further information, consult the official press release here. February 19, 2026 Mohamed Abdel-Kareem2026-02-19T16:39:18-08:00 Leave A Comment Cancel replyComment Type in the text displayed above Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Accurate Model Predicts Quantum Data Noise Levels

Researchers are increasingly focused on the harmonious operation of classical and quantum key distribution (QKD) systems within shared optical infrastructure. Lucas Alves Zischler, Amirhossein Ghazisaeidi, and Carina Castiñeiras Carrero, working with colleagues at the Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, and the Optical Transmission Department, Nokia Bell Labs, have undertaken an experimental characterization of interference effects, specifically stimulated Raman scattering and four-wave mixing, that arise when these systems coexist. This collaborative effort between the University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy, and Nokia Bell Labs, Massy, France, validates a comprehensive semi-analytical model, providing accurate noise estimation and representing a significant step towards the practical implementation of secure quantum communication networks alongside existing classical networks. Previously, accurately predicting signal degradation when quantum key distribution shares fibre with classical communications proved exceptionally difficult. Now, detailed experiments and modelling confirm how these systems interfere, enabling more reliable and secure quantum networks. This understanding allows for better system design and performance optimisation. Scientists have long sought methods to guarantee secure communication, and quantum-key distribution (QKD) offers a promising solution by exploiting the laws of quantum mechanics. While dedicated optical fibres provide ideal conditions for QKD, practical deployments often require sharing infrastructure with classical communication channels. This coexistence introduces challenges stemming from non-linear effects within the optical fibre itself. Specifically, spontaneous Raman scattering (SpRS) and four-wave mixing (FWM), phenomena where light interacts with the fibre material, can generate noise that degrades QKD performance. SpRS, a broadband effect, arises from the scattering of light by molecular

Forward Edge-AI Graduates Inaugural Isidore Quantum Certification Class

Insider Brief Forward Edge-AI graduated its inaugural Isidore Quantum Certification Class, marking a step in post-quantum cybersecurity workforce development tied to its FIPS 140-3–certified hardware platform tested across U.S. military branches and commercial partners. The program, delivered with the National Security Agency and Lumen, trained participants from South Korea and Japan in operational deployment, secure integration, and real-world implementation of post-quantum cryptography and AI-enabled cybersecurity systems. Graduates are certified to deploy and manage post-quantum security systems in mission-critical environments, supporting allied and partner nations as governments shift from policy planning to operational execution. PRESS RELEASE — Forward Edge-AI, Inc., announced the graduation of its inaugural Isidore Quantum Certification Class, marking a milestone in international post-quantum cybersecurity readiness and workforce development. Forward Edge-AI is the company behind Isidore Quantum, the FIPS 140-3–certified hardware platform delivering the world’s first drop-in post-quantum cybersecurity solution successfully tested across air, land, sea, and space by the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Space Force, and major commercial partners such as Microsoft and Lumen. The graduating class includes a strategic partner from WiseCube (South Korea) and two employees from Forward Edge-AI Japan. These participants are the only individuals from their respective countries to complete the Isidore Quantum certification to date. The certification program was delivered jointly by Forward Edge-AI, the National Security Agency (NSA), and Lumen, and provided advanced instruction across post-quantum cryptography (PQC), cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The curriculum focused on operational deployment, secure integration, and real-world implementation of post-quantum systems. “This certification r

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Quantum States Stay Frozen in First Experimental Test of Statistical Localization

Insider Brief Researchers at Duke University report the first experimental observation of statistical localization in a quantum simulator, showing that most quantum states can remain effectively frozen rather than spreading toward equilibrium, with findings published in Nature Physics. Using a neutral-atom platform built from chains of laser-controlled rubidium atoms, the team engineered a one-dimensional lattice gauge theory system in which subsets of quantum states remained disconnected, preventing the usual process of thermalization. The results suggest that fragmented quantum state spaces could enable more robust quantum information storage and advance quantum simulations of fundamental forces, with potential applications in subatomic physics and quantum materials research. Image: Huanqian Loh (right) works on neutral-atom quantum simulator setups with Duke graduate students. (Alex Sanchez, Duke University) PRESS RELEASE — In the everyday world, governed by classical physics, the concept of equilibrium reigns. If you put a drop of ink into water, it will eventually evenly mix. If you put a glass of ice water on the kitchen table, it will eventually melt and become room temperature. That concept rooted in energy transport is known as thermalization, and it is easy to comprehend because we see it happen every day. But this is not always how things behave at the smallest scales of the universe. In the quantum realm—at the atomic and sub-atomic scales—there can be a phenomenon called localization, in which equilibrium spreading does not occur, even with nothing obviously preventing it. Researchers at Duke University have observed this intriguing behavior using a quantum simulator for the first time. Also known as statistical localization, the research could help probe questions about unusual material properties or quantum memory. The results appear online February 18 in the journal Nature Physics. “In statistical localization, almost all states are frozen,” said&nbs

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Qunnect Demonstrates First Metro-Scale Quantum Network with Cisco, Exceeds Previous Benchmarks by 10,000x

Qunnect and Cisco have achieved a landmark breakthrough, demonstrating the first metro-scale quantum network with high-speed entanglement swapping over deployed commercial fiber. The February 18, 2026, demonstration, conducted on Qunnect’s GothamQ testbed throughout New York City, spanned 17.6 kilometers of fiber and achieved record swapping rates exceeding 5,400 entangled pairs per hour—nearly 10,000 times better than previous benchmarks. This milestone utilizes Qunnect’s room-temperature quantum hardware and Cisco’s software, paving the way for scalable deployment and a new spoke-and-hub model for quantum networks. “Entanglement swapping is a fundamental operation in the quantum internet. Today, we not only broke the record for rate and scalability, we did so in New York City using some of the noisiest, most chaotic fiber on Earth,” said Mehdi Namazi, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer for Qunnect. Record 1.7M+ Pairs/Hour Entanglement Swapping Achieved in NYC A staggering 1.7 million entangled photon pairs per hour were generated locally, marking a new benchmark in quantum networking achieved within New York City’s infrastructure, according to recent results from Qunnect and Cisco. This achievement surpasses previous benchmarks by nearly 10,000 times, utilizing similar platforms. Maintaining greater than 99% polarization fidelity, the system successfully navigated the challenges presented by a real-world urban environment. The experiment decoupled nodes from the need for shared lasers, enabling a scalable hub-and-spoke architecture. This advancement relies on Qunnect’s room-temperature endpoints and Automatic Polarization Controllers, which continuously compensate for signal degradation in deployed fiber. Cisco’s unified quantum networking software stack functioned as a coordinating system, managing the hardware across geographically separated nodes. Reza Nejabati, Head of Quantum Research at Cisco, stated, “This milestone accelerates our quantum networking visi

Quantum Repeaters Gain Programmable Control Via New Architecture

Scientists are addressing a critical gap in quantum communication infrastructure by proposing a novel instruction-set architecture for programmable nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center quantum repeater nodes. Vinay Kumar, from the Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, and the Institute for Informatics and Telematics (IIT), National Research Council (CNR), working with Claudio Cicconetti from the IIT-CNR, and Riccardo Bassoli from the Deutsche Telekom Chair of Communication Networks, Technische Universität Dresden, and the Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI), alongside Marco Conti and Andrea Passarella from the IIT-CNR, detail a system where controller-driven programmability leverages both electron and nuclear spins within repeater nodes. This research is significant because it moves beyond current under-specified node interfaces, formalising deterministic and coherent control modes and demonstrating a compact implementation of the BBPSSW purification protocol. Furthermore, the proposed architecture enables advanced diagnostics and calibration techniques, paving the way for scalable and more effective quantum communication networks. Scientists are edging closer to a quantum internet, but building the necessary repeater nodes presents a formidable engineering challenge. A standardised way to program these devices, akin to the instruction sets that power our everyday computers, has been lacking until now. This work proposes a blueprint for that control, potentially unlocking a scalable and versatile quantum network. Researchers introduce the concept of an instruction-set architecture (ISA) for controller-driven programmability of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre quantum repeater nodes, increasingly recognising the importance of programmability in emerging quantum network software stacks. This work focuses on defining an ISA to facilitate flexible and efficient control of these nodes. The approach involves designing a set of instructions t

Quantum Walks Boost Security on Early Computers

Scientists are increasingly focused on developing quantum cryptographic protocols compatible with near-term, noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. Aditi Rath, Dinesh Kumar Panda, and Colin Benjamin, all from the National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, Homi Bhabha National Institute, detail a novel scheme leveraging discrete-time quantum walks and Parrondo dynamics on cyclic graphs. This research is significant because it constructs a practical quantum circuit specifically tailored for NISQ architectures and rigorously assesses its security against common attacks, modelling intercept-resend and man-in-the-middle scenarios. Through numerical simulations and analysis of hardware feasibility, the authors demonstrate how connectivity and state-transfer strategies critically impact fidelity and performance, offering valuable insights into the trade-offs inherent in deploying quantum cryptography on contemporary processors. Scientists are edging closer to unhackable communications with a quantum cryptography method designed for today’s limited quantum computers. This advance tackles a critical challenge by working with imperfect, noisy hardware than waiting for fully-fledged quantum machines. The technique promises secure data transmission even before large-scale quantum networks become a reality. Compatibility with noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices is paramount for realising practical quantum cryptographic protocols. This work investigates a novel cryptographic scheme founded on discrete-time quantum walks (DTQWs) on cyclic graphs, harnessing the intriguing Parrondo dynamics, a phenomenon where periodic behaviour arises from a sequence of individually chaotic operations. Researchers have constructed a dedicated quantum circuit design optimised for NISQ architectures and rigorously analysed its performance using numerical simulations within the Qiskit framework, both under idealised conditions and with realistic noise mod

Qunnect and Cisco Demonstrate Quantum Entanglement over a Quantum Network in New York City

Qunnect and Cisco Demonstrate Quantum Entanglement over a Quantum Network in New York City In a continued advance in quantum networking Qunnect has teamed up with Cisco to demonstrate high-speed, high-fidelity entanglement swapping on their GothamQ network in New York City. The portion of the GothamQ network, pictured above, is arranged is a hub-and-spoke topology. S1 and S2 shown in the picture are independent entanglement sources located in Brooklyn while the hub H, located at QTD Systems‘ data center at 60 Hudson Street in Manhattan, is where the entanglement swapping happens. The nodes are connected by 17.6 km of standard telecom grade fiber cable that run under the city streets with all the potential noise sources that might occur and the hardware used is Qunnect’s Carina product which includes quantum networking components, detectors, time taggers, and synchronization electronics. The Carina hardware runs at room-temperature at the outlying S1 and S2 nodes using SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode) detectors while the hardware at the hub requires cryogenic cooling because it uses SNSPDs (Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detector). The system is all managed by Cisco’ quantum networking orchestration software which provides for correlations, coordination, calibration, and data management. This system achieves the highest entanglement swapping rates reported to date of 1.7M+ pairs/hour locally and 5,400 pairs/hour over deployed fiber. The polarization fidelity achieved was above 99%. This technology will become very important as organizations establish quantum data centers that will connect multiple quantum computers together for large quantum processing tasks. In addition, quantum entanglement is one of the necessary technologies for creating long range quantum networks that will utilize quantum repeaters to maintain the signal over a long distance. The other key technology needed to create a quantum repeater is a quantum memory and those are still in

SEALSQ and Lattice Deliver Unified TPM-FPGA Architecture for Post-Quantum Security

SEALSQ and Lattice Deliver Unified TPM-FPGA Architecture for Post-Quantum Security SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) and Lattice Semiconductor (NASDAQ: LSCC) have announced a collaboration to integrate advanced post-quantum cryptography (PQC) into select Lattice FPGA solutions using a unified TPM-FPGA architecture. This collaboration addresses the urgent requirement for quantum-resistant security in mission-critical edge computing and industrial infrastructure. By combining SEALSQ’s specialized post-quantum hardware with Lattice’s low-power, secure FPGA platforms, the partnership provides a scalable reference design for organizations transitioning to CNSA 2.0 and NIST standards. The joint solution features a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) that integrates a Lattice secure FPGA with SEALSQ’s QS7001 and QVault TPM secure Root-of-Trust (RoT). The QS7001 is a hardware-embedded PQC chip designed on a 32-bit secured RISC-V architecture. It provides hardware acceleration for NIST-selected algorithms, including ML-KEM (formerly Kyber) for key encapsulation and ML-DSA (formerly Dilithium) for digital signatures. This hardware-native approach offers significant performance gains and enhanced side-channel resistance compared to software-only PQC implementations. Key Technical Features of the Unified Architecture Quantum-Resistant Root-of-Trust: The QVault TPM acts as an immutable starting point for system security, ensuring secure boot, attestation, and cryptographic key management that remains resilient against quantum attacks. Crypto-Agility at the Edge: The architecture supports in-field updates, allowing organizations to update cryptographic algorithms as standards evolve without replacing physical hardware. Hardware-Accelerated PQC: By embedding algorithms directly in silicon, the system achieves up to 10x performance gains for quantum-safe key exchanges and authentication. High-Assurance Certification: The underlying hardware is designed for Common Criteria EAL5+ and FIPS 140-3 readines