Here’s how the game works:

1. 1. Enter a word guess – in this game the word has six letters.
   2. After submitting your guess, each letter in the guessed word is coloured to provide feedback:
      • Green: The letter is correct and is in the correct position in the target word.
      • Yellow: The letter is correct but is in the wrong position in the target word.
      • Grey: The letter is not in the target word at all.
   3. Using this colour feedback, refine your next guess.
   4. Continue guessing until you correctly identify the hidden word(s) or run out of attempts.

If you need any hints, read this recent article.

Fancy some more? Check out our puzzles page.

The post Word wave puzzle no.3 appeared first on Physics World.

The quantum-technology sector is burgeoning, but challenges remain when it comes to creating viable commercial products. While quantum sensors show great promise, some technologies rely on ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) – which is difficult to achieve in compact, portable devices.

My guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast is Florence Concepcion, who focuses on the miniaturization of UHV systems for practical quantum sensors and other devices. She is a senior quantum engineer at Aquark Technologies – a UK-based company that is developing cold-matter quantum technologies.

In 2025 Concepcion was awarded a £1.9m Innovate Future Leaders Fellowship by the UK government. She explains how that money will be spent over four years to develop vacuum systems for quantum technologies.

Before joining Aquark, Concepcion did a PhD on a topic at the intersection of astronomy and atomic physics. She talks about her transition from academia to industry and we chat about careers for physicists in the quantum sector.

The post Quantum sensors benefit from miniaturized ultrahigh vacuum appeared first on Physics World.

The quantum revolution is no longer a distant dream. It is unfolding right now, promising to shake up computing, communication and security on a global scale. The race to harness these transformative technologies will not, however, be determined by who succeeds in manipulating qubits – but by who can secure the ideas that make this technology possible.

Intellectual property (IP) is the currency of innovation, and in the quantum era, it will determine whether breakthroughs become valuable assets or lost opportunities. Quantum physics has already made a huge contribution to global economic growth: just think of the billions of transistors in the smartphones that we carry around in our pockets.

But the “quantum 2.0” revolution, which will exploit phenomena such as superposition and entanglement, is set to bring us entirely new kinds of devices. In fact, quantum computers are already developing so fast that they will soon complement (even if they probably won’t entirely replace) the classical computers we all take for granted.

Given the huge potential, it’s hardly surprising that many countries around the world have national quantum research programmes. The UK, for example, recently announced unprecedented levels of grant funding in this area as it enters a second – and hugely ambitious – 10-year quantum initiative. Bringing together entrepreneurs and inventors from diverse fields to develop scalable qubit architectures and quantum-secure networks, the programme is well placed to deliver a strong return on the initial investment.

Another sign of the UK government’s commitment to quantum technology, despite well-publicized cuts to other areas of physics research funding, is the SpeQtre satellite. Launched late last year as a collaboration between the Science and Technology Facilities Council, RAL Space and Singapore’s SpeQtral, it will test how “encryption keys”, based on entangled particles, could lead to ultra-secure space-based communication.

IP assets are important, being essentially government-awarded prizes that encourage innovation

For too long, though, the UK has pioneered groundbreaking achievements, but failed to turn those accomplishments into economic benefits. That’s why IP assets are so important, being essentially government-awarded prizes that encourage innovation.

When it comes to patenting quantum technologies, however, companies in the UK and the rest of Europe are falling behind competitors in the US and China. There is still time to catch up. But we risk losing out – even in our own markets – if UK businesses fail to protect their quantum innovations.

Patent protection

Despite being so counter-intuitive, quantum technologies need to satisfy the same patentability requirements as any other type of invention. They must, in other words, be new, inventive, industrially applicable, not excluded from patent protection, clearly defined and sufficiently explained.

Patent laws around the world are these days largely harmonized, although there is some divergence in how different countries assess whether an invention should be excluded from patentability. In the UK and Europe, for example, there are ways to get around patent exclusions for innovation that relates to discoveries, scientific theories, mathematical methods, business methods and computer programs.

Patent law is continually developing as it catches up with emerging science, especially in areas such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technology. The UK Supreme Court, for example, recently handed down a judgement that brought UK law up-to-date regarding how the patentability of inventions is assessed, especially those related to AI software.

Quantum algorithms can be patented by demonstrating technical effects that have been achieved

When it comes to assessing patentability, quantum computing is held to the very same standards as classical computing. Quantum algorithms, for example, can be patented by demonstrating technical effects that have been achieved. What’s more, guidance provided by the UK Intellectual Property Office explains that aspects of superconducting and/or photonic circuits for controlling processing and measuring qubits would likely escape exclusion.

Developments in quantum theory can be protected too, although to obtain patent protection, the patent application will need to explain how those quantum effects could be implemented by bringing together hardware that is already available today. It is worthwhile as well for patent applications that cover quantum innovation to set out the commercial opportunities that are envisaged.

Audit your assets

But it’s not all about patents. If you are looking to launch a business in the quantum sector, there are some other IP rights that are worth bearing in mind too. Registered designs, for example, can protect the appearance of products that you have created. Semiconductor topography rights can protect the design of integrated circuits, while trade marks can protect your brand, so that your business stands out from the rest of the market.

Building a robust IP portfolio is paramount for persuading investors that they should take the opportunity to support the deployment of quantum solutions

An IP audit by a patent attorney will help to identify the variety of ways to commercialize your quantum innovation, while also highlighting the risks as well as the potential opportunities too. Building a robust IP portfolio is paramount for persuading investors that they should take the opportunity to support the deployment of quantum solutions.

Remember though, that if you intend to pursue patent protection, you’ll need to file your patent application before your innovation is revealed to anyone who is not obliged to keep it confidential. Before you publish quantum physics research, you should therefore seek advice from a patent attorney, to ensure that your IP strategy aligns with your commercial objectives.

As theoretical and experimental quantum science matures into commercial applications and government industrial strategies, physicists will continue to make a vital contribution in shaping how their discoveries are to benefit our society. Together we will build a successful quantum economy.

The post Why patents are so vital for the quantum economy appeared first on Physics World.

The physicist and venture capitalist Alexandra Vidyuk is our guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast. She is the chief executive and founding partner of Beyond Earth Ventures, which provides funding and support to early-stage companies in deep-tech sectors including space, robotics and energy.

In conversation with Physics World’s Margaret Harris, Vidyuk explains how her BSc in applied mathematics and physics and her early career in banking and fintech set her on a path to deep-tech venture capital.

Vidyuk talks about the specific challenges facing deep-tech entrepreneurs and reveals what she looks for when deciding which companies to fund. She also emphasizes the importance of building an organization that understands its customers and can communicate effectively with them.

The post Backing winners in deep tech: physicist and venture capitalist Alexandra Vidyuk appeared first on Physics World.

A couple of months ago I wrote about whether it’s possible to teach the art of entrepreneurship or if it’s a skill that’s innate to individuals. My article led to some invaluable feedback, notably from one reader who said that, yes, of course it can be taught. Not, they said, from formal lectures but mainly through mentoring by people who’ve learned the art of entrepreneurship themselves.

That idea got me thinking about the wider benefit of “giving back” one’s experience to others who could gain from that wisdom. All professional scientists and engineers will have benefited at one time or another from the generous guidance of other people – be they teachers, lecturers, or work colleagues. So perhaps we should think about how we can do the same.

The value of a professional interaction, however small, should not be overlooked

It’s easy to imagine our lives are so inconsequential that we have nothing to teach – and even if we do have something to say, we certainly haven’t got the time to tell others about it. But the value of a professional interaction, however small, should not be overlooked. A timely moment at any career stage can make all the difference to an individual’s professional impact and future success. The scope of opportunity for giving back is broad.

Volunteering and internships

In my experience, local schools are always grateful for career guidance from professionals. Staff at my company, for example, often give career talks at their children’s schools. We take part in events such as assemblies, career evenings or careers weeks and we are currently keen to provide work experience for 16- and 17-year-olds in year 12. If we go ahead, I am sure pupils will be eager to snap opportunities up.

I have also seen the benefit of scientists and engineers developing videos, workbooks and other materials for primary-school children to learn about concepts in science and technology. It is important to make an impact at the earliest possible stage, which is where the talent pipeline starts. Once students are in their teens and have made their subject choices, it becomes hard – if not impossible – to influence them.

Internships are another great way of giving back. For the last eight years, I have been running a data-science internship programme at GE – and I just wish I’d started it sooner. Initially, we offered summer-long placements, but after a year we added year-long roles to the mix. I will be honest, colleagues were hugely sceptical about how much value these roles would bring, but their worry proved unfounded.

The vast majority of our interns have been extremely productive under our guidance and, after finishing, have gone on to secure graduate positions within GE or other tech firms. It’s vital, however, that interns are properly supported. As well as being given comprehensive induction and training, interns must be part of an established project team, whose members are always on hand to give guidance, answer questions, and provide the interns with clear tasks and goals.

It’s also important to set expectations of professionalism when at work. We are fortunate in GE that interns are taken on as regular employees and so have access to a wide range of employee and company benefits. Interns therefore find it easier to feel part of the company and adopt its ethos. Remember too, that the benefits work both ways. Interns bring you new perspectives and fresh ideas, while also keeping the rest of the team stimulated.

Professional societies and professorships

Being a member of a professional body is also a great way to give back to the community. The Institute of Physics (IOP), for example, has an active volunteer community, along with special interest groups and regional and national branches that are all run by member volunteers, with help from IOP staff. Becoming an IOP volunteer also gives you the chance to influence and help shape the physics community.

By meeting like-minded colleagues, you can build your network and give back to the community at the same time

You could, for example, get involved with running lectures, seminars, webinars and career outreach events. By meeting like-minded colleagues, you can build your network and give back to the community at the same time. There are some great examples, notably Deborah Phelps, a physicist in engineering who ended up launching the IOP’s girl-guiding badge.

For more experienced industrialists, another way to give back is to become a visiting professor. Being fortunate enough to hold such a position myself, they let you go back to university and share your knowledge and experience with current students. It’s invaluable for universities too, allowing students to learn what real-life careers look like and what skills they might need beyond the technical knowledge gained during a degree.

Visiting professorships tend to be awarded directly by universities. But competitive awards exist too. The Royal Academy of Engineering, for example, runs a scheme that brings engineers, entrepreneurs, consultants and other industry insiders into UK universities to boost undergraduate engineering education. Covering areas that would appeal to physicists, such as energy, materials and electronics, the scheme lets experts deliver face-to-face teaching, mentoring and curriculum development for three years.

The Royal Society, meanwhile, runs an entrepreneur-in-residence scheme that’s been taken up by people like Fiona Riddich, who originally studied maths and physics before joining the energy industry. She’s mentored students at the University of Edinburgh and developed a project called Energy@Edinburgh to raise awareness of researchers’ work, promote interdisciplinary exchange, grow staff understanding of the energy market, and encourage innovation and translation of research.

I have only scratched the surface of what can be done for the good of our scientific and engineering community, but there is plenty of opportunity and few, if any, barriers to entry. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of doing this, especially for growing our pipeline of technical breakthroughs and developing talented people for the future.

My challenge to you is to tell your colleagues what you’re already doing to “give back” – and why. And if you’re doing nothing to give back, now is the perfect time to get started.

The post Why mentorship is vital for the future of physics appeared first on Physics World.