Quantum computers are on track to solve knotty mathematical problems

Quantum computers could soon be able to solve genuinely useful mathematical problems faster than classical computers, claims quantum computing firm Quantinuum. It would be the first example of these exotic machines showing a true advantage over ordinary devices.

Such problems relate to a branch of mathematics called knot theory, which is used to classify knots by the number and nature of the points at which they cross over. The concept has been applied to cryptography, physics and molecular biology; it has even been suggested as a way for spacecraft to navigate…