The “Internet of the future” is coming – a system in which data is sent in the blink of an eye and hackers have no chance of intercepting it. A team from Northwestern University has done what was once possible only in theory. For the first time, quantum teleportation has been demonstrated over a “standard” fiber-optic cable supporting modern Internet traffic. What does this mean for us?
Quantum teleportation opens new horizons in communication and security. By using the phenomenon of quantum entanglement, it is possible to transmit information between distant points without the need to physically move particles. This process is limited only by the speed of light, which makes it one of the fastest methods of data transmission.
Information transmitted this way is virtually impossible to intercept: so it is an ideal solution for banking, medicine or even defense systems. A major obstacle was the need to build special infrastructure. It seems that the current one can also be used – without any major compromises to the usability of the solution.
How does quantum teleportation work?
Quantum teleportation is a process that allows the transfer of quantum state – or information – between two points without the need to physically move particles. How is this possible? The key is the phenomenon of quantum entanglement. In simple terms, this means that two particles – photons, for example – are so closely connected that a change in the state of one immediately affects the other, regardless of distance.
Here’s what the process looks like step by step:
- Photon entanglement: First, a pair of entangled photons is created – these are light particles with a common quantum “connection”.
- Providing information: One of the photons is combined with the information we want to send.
- Measurement and teleportation: When we make a special measurement on this photon (and its entangled partner), the quantum state – or information – is immediately transferred to the second photon at the other end of the fiber.
The bottom line is that photons themselves do not have to “travel”. Only the quantum state, not matter itself, is transmitted over a distance. In practice, this means instant information transfer, which is completely safe and impossible to intercept “on the way”. We now know that this process will also work in fiber optic cables that support classic, modern Internet traffic.
All right. But how was this achieved? This helped: careful analysis of light scattering in optical fibers and selection of a less crowded wavelength where delicate photons could travel safely. Special noise-reducing filters have also been added.
Check also: Physicists have mapped quantum entanglement in protons. Here are the results
The effect exceeded the researchers’ expectations. The 30-kilometer fiber-optic cable transmitted classical internet data and quantum information simultaneously. The results were impressive – quantum teleportation was successful, even with really heavy internet traffic. Sounds like a chance to create the “Internet of the future.”
What’s next?
Scientists say this is just the beginning. The next step will be to extend the experiments to longer distances and use terrestrial optical cables in real conditions. It is also planned to use two pairs of entangled photons, which will allow for even more advanced experiments.
This means that there is a real possibility of building a global quantum network that does not require expensive, dedicated infrastructure. Quantum teleportation could become the standard in communications, enabling ultra-fast and secure connections between distant points. First, it will probably be used in scientific and military solutions. After some time, it will also become a consumer communication standard.
We are undoubtedly at the threshold of a new era of the Internet – faster, safer and more effective. Probably not in 10 or even 20 years, but one day the global network will be significantly remodeled – to make it much safer, even faster and more reliable. There’s nothing wrong – it can easily be said that this is one of the biggest breakthroughs of the coming year.
Source: antyweb.pl
