In a revolutionary breakthrough for quantum computing and communications, a team of engineers from Northwestern University in the United States has successfully quantum teleported a qubit over a distance of 30 kilometers using fiber optic cables employed in current Internet networks. This achievement, published in the scientific journal Optica, marks an important milestone in the development of a more accessible and efficient infrastructure for future quantum networks.
Significant Advantages for Communications
The experiment is noteworthy for two main advantages:
- Accessible Infrastructure: By using conventional fiber optic cables, the need to build exclusive networks for quantum computers is avoided, reducing deployment costs and complexity.
- Faster Speeds: Thanks to quantum entanglement, data can be transmitted instantaneously over long distances without physically traversing the entire circuit, breaking traditional barriers of communication.
Prem Kumar, a professor of quantum engineering at Northwestern University and the project’s leader, expressed his excitement by calling the feat something that “nobody thought was possible.” According to Kumar, this advancement elevates quantum communications to a new level, as it allows classical and quantum networks to share a unified infrastructure.
How Does Quantum Teleportation Work?
Quantum teleportation utilizes the principle of quantum entanglement, where two particles are linked regardless of the distance between them. This allows them to exchange information without the need to physically transport the particles. According to Kumar, “quantum teleportation is only limited by the speed of light,” which could pave the way for nearly instantaneous communications in the future.
In this context, individual photons, which are essential for transmitting quantum information, face significant challenges. Until now, it was thought that these photons would be easily interfered with by the regular traffic of millions of light particles used in classical Internet communications. However, Kumar’s team found a less congested wavelength for the photons and used special filters to reduce noise.
The Test of Success
During the experiment, the researchers simultaneously sent quantum information and conventional Internet traffic through a 30-kilometer-long fiber optic cable. Upon completion, they confirmed that the quantum information was successfully transmitted despite the heavy traffic. This represents a crucial step toward integrating quantum communications into current infrastructures.
Challenges and the Future of Quantum Networks
Although the advancement is promising, technical challenges still persist. According to Carlos Sabín, a researcher in the Department of Theoretical Physics at the Autonomous University of Madrid, “10% of the teleported information does not reach its destination,” reflecting that these technologies are still in a preliminary stage.
Despite these hurdles, researchers are already planning to extend experiments to greater distances, using underground cables and new strategies to improve efficiency and reduce error rates.
A Step Toward the Next Generation of Communications
This breakthrough represents a significant step forward in the construction of functional quantum networks. While the absolute record for quantum teleportation remains at 1,400 kilometers (achieved from space with the Micius satellite), Kumar’s experiment marks a practical direction for integrating quantum technologies into the real world.
Quantum teleportation does not allow for surpassing the speed of light but revolutionizes the way we transmit information. With significant potential to transform sectors like cryptography, computing, and global communications, the future of quantum networks promises to be exciting and transformative.