Recent advances in quantum information science are reshaping the paradigms of secure computation and communication. Quantum cryptographic techniques—ranging from quantum key distribution (QKD) to quantum-secure multi-party computation—offer unprecedented levels of security based on the laws of quantum mechanics rather than computational hardness. As the quantum threat to classical cryptosystems becomes more imminent, it is crucial to explore both theoretical foundations and practical implementations of quantum-secure architectures.

This Topical Collection aims to gather high-impact contributions in the fields of quantum cryptography, quantum communication, secure distributed computation, and related quantum protocols. We welcome original research articles, review papers, and experimental reports that deepen our understanding of quantum-secure infrastructures and promote their real-world deployment.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

- Quantum-secure communication protocols

- Post-quantum cryptographic integration with quantum protocols

- Secure multi-party quantum computation

- Quantum homomorphic encryption

- Quantum blockchain and distributed ledgers

- Quantum authentication and identity schemes

- Implementation and scalability of QKD systems

- Quantum network architectures for secure data sharing

Keywords: Quantum Cryptography; Quantum Communication; Secure Multi-party Quantum Computation; Quantum Key Distribution; Post-Quantum Cryptography; Quantum Homomorphic Encryption; Quantum Authentication; Quantum Networks; Quantum Blockchain; Privacy-Preserving Quantum Protocols

Atomic and molecular systems remain at the heart of modern research in physics. Their thermodynamic and quantum properties are essential for understanding fundamental interactions, while also guiding the development of advanced technologies in areas ranging from energy conversion to information processing. The study of entropy, partition functions, and magnetic responses such as susceptibility, magnetization, and persistent currents has therefore gained renewed significance, both for theoretical insight and for practical applications. Recent progress in analytical approaches has opened new pathways for modeling these systems with greater precision, strengthening the bridge between fundamental theory and predictive applications.

This Topical Collection highlights advances in the theoretical and analytical modeling of quantum and statistical physical systems. It welcomes contributions covering the physical properties of atomic and molecular systems, with emphasis on thermodynamic behavior, partition functions, bound state energies, information entropy, and magnetic responses such as susceptibility, magnetization, and persistent currents. Analytical approaches of interest include, but are not limited to, the Nikiforov-Uvarov functional analysis (NUFA), generalized fractional derivative methods, and the path integral approach. The Collection aims to advance predictive modeling of complex molecular and quantum systems, fostering both methodological innovation and applications to real world problems.

Keywords: Diatomic molecules, Polyatomic molecules, Thermodynamic properties, Magnetic properties, Energy eigenvalues, Information entropy, NASA polynomials, NIST-JANAF, Approximation schemes