Scientists have accomplished quantum teleportation of information through fiber-optic cables, a feat previously thought to be impossible. Now, the technology could lead to a quantum internet, a superfast, more secure means of communication that would not require new infrastructure. Indeed, among other things, it could enable sharing data in such a secure format that it would just never be possible under today’s conditions with classic computers, and it could also integrate quantum technologies into existing networks.
Quantum information can move through crowded fiber optic networks
This fundamentally relies on quantum entanglement, where two particles become associated no matter what distance exists between them. Here, one particle will instantaneously influence the state of the other such that the particles need not physically transport themselves to establish their action.
In earlier times, it was limited to carefully controlled laboratory conditions, but Northwestern’s research shows that the phenomenon can be easily translated to conventional fiber optic networks that are already under use for the everyday internet traffic.
The optical communications constitute the main structure of modern telecommunication wherein data are transmitted with light. Classical communication needed many photons (packets of light), while quantum communication is affected only by a single photon, and hence it is considerably fragile and easily disturbed.
It was a huge bore because those photons would not want to exist alongside the current heavy traffic on existing fiber optic cables, much like a bicycle attempting to weave its way through a highway full of trucks. However, when combined with the right wavelengths “that’s all it took” and had the right noise reduction special filters, researchers were able to get quantum information across-the-finally teleported message at its destination location.
A great jump in security: Couple this quantum teleportation with information safety
What gives the most relevant insight into the future of quantum teleportation is the fact that it will develop ultra-secure communication systems. Unlike classical communications, which could be intercepted or hacked, quantum information is shielded against all these kinds of havoc through the principles of quantum mechanics.
Any attempt to measure or observe the quantum state of the information brings about its total disruptions, so no eavesdropping is ever possible. This means that quantum teleportation will fully revolutionize secure data transfer standards as it is unprecedented in privacy, from financial transactions to confidential communication. Quantum teleportation will also mean orders of magnitude faster transfers of data.
While classical communications require light to send time-limited data, quantum teleportation will virtually transmit the information source and destination, limited only by a physical speed of the system. This future could make possible faster, more efficient communication networks able to deal with vast amounts of data at speeds well beyond anything possible today.
Quantum revolution: Conjuring quantum and classical networks into the legacy infrastructure
The most promising aspect of this breakthrough is the possibility that it could, one day, integrate quantum communication into the existing, conventional networks. Creating entirely new infrastructures for quantum communications has always seemed impracticable because of the high costs and technical challenges.
Nevertheless, the new technique of quantum teleportation allows cohabitation of quantum and classical networks and sharing of the same fiber optic infrastructure. Thus, instead of coercing a complete overhaul of the current internet infrastructure, quantum networks can be layered on the already existing systems, which would tremendously lower costs and complexities for implementation.
The Northwestern team also intends to extend their experiments to even longer distances for use with several pairs of entangled photons to further improve data transmission security and efficiency. The scientists are also planning to take their technology into the real underground data highways with their own underground fiber optic cables as a step towards making quantum communications applicable to everyday use.
Recent advances in quantum teleportation enhance the inspiration for a quantum internet. This has demonstrated that quantum information can influence standard fiber optic telecommunication lines. The high promise of security and a new high-speed communication form will revolutionize telecommunications as well as computing, ushering in a new age of worldwide connectivity.
