Quantum Teleportation Achieved Over Active Internet Cables | Image Source: www.techspot.com
EVANSTON, Ill., 24 December 2024 – In an innovative development, Northwestern University engineers performed quantum teleportation on active fibre ​optic cables, marking an important step in communication technologies. ​As noted ​by TechSpot, this innovative research paves the way for the integration of quantum communication with the existing Internet infrastructure, promising unprecedented progress in speed, security and ​scalability.
The production, detailed ​in the scientific journal Optica, demonstrates ​the feasibility of the transmission of quantum information with conventional Internet ​traffic. By successfully teleporting quantum states on a 30 km fiber optic cable with active data, researchers have ​opened new possibilities to merge quantum ​and conventional networks without the need for completely new infrastructures.
Science behind ​quantum teleportation
Quantum teleportation is ​based on the phenomenon of quantum entanglement, a property where particles connect so that the state of ​one particle instantly influences the ​state of the other, regardless ​of distance. Unlike traditional communication, this process does not involve the physical transfer ​of particles. Rather, it facilitates the coding of quantum states in ​remote particles, ​allowing the transmission of ultra-safe and fast ​data.
Jordan Thomas, doctor and ​first author of the study, ​developed the process.
“By carrying out a destructive measurement on two photons – one that carries a quantum state and another entangled with another photon – ​the quantum state is transferred to the remaining photon, which can be ​far away”
Thomas said. ​This method, although theoretically robust, faces practical challenges when ​integrated into the busy fibre optic networks, which carry millions of light particles as part of regular Internet traffic.
Overcoming technical challenges
Prior to this progress, researchers were sceptical about the coexistence of quantum teleportation and conventional communications on the same cable. Concerns revolved around the ​overwhelming interference caused by the high density of light particles in ​active fibre networks. However, the team led by ​Professor Prem Kumar has overcome these ​obstacles through in-depth analysis and innovative solutions.
“Our work shows a ​path to the quantum and conventional networks of ​the ​next generation that share a unified fibre optic infrastructure,” said ​Mr. Kumar.
“Basically, open the door ​to push quantum communications to ​the next ​level.”
In the analysis of light dispersion in cables, researchers identified ​less congested wavelengths where quantum photons could be placed. Special filters have also been introduced to reduce ​noise from conventional data transmissions. These optimizations enabled a ​successful transmission ​of quantum states as well as ​high-speed Internet traffic without significant deterioration in data quality.
Conceptual test
The team validated its method using a 30 km long fibre optic cable, transmitting quantum information between ​two last points while simultaneously transporting standard Internet data. Quantum measurements ​were made at midpoint of the cable, confirming successfully the transmission of quantum states in the presence of active traffic. This experience has not only ​demonstrated its ​technical viability, but has ​also strengthened the potential for quantum communication ​to operate ​in existing infrastructures.
According to the researchers, the quality of quantum data at the receiving end remained intact, demonstrating ​the reliability of its method. Kumar explained that this configuration could lead to highly ​secure and efficient quantum connectivity between distant nodes, an essential feature for future quantum networks.
Future applications and objectives
In the future, Kumar and his team are ​trying to extend the ​distance from their experiences and introduce more complex protocols ​such as the exchange of entanglement, which involves the use of multiple pairs of entangled ​photons. Such ​progress should play a crucial role in the development of distributed quantum applications, including quantum computing and ​advanced detection technologies.
In addition, researchers are ​considering testing their techniques on optical cables in the real world, ​in the field, which go beyond controlled laboratory environments. If successful, this ​could accelerate ​the deployment of quantum ​technologies in commercial and industrial environments. “If we choose wavelengths ​correctly, we will not ​have to ​build ​new infrastructure,” ​said Kumar, ​emphasizing the practicality and cost-effectiveness of his approach.
Impact on ​communication technologies
The successful demonstration of quantum teleportation on ​active ​Internet cables represents a leap forward for ​the integration of quantum and conventional networks. ​This could ​revolutionize sectors such as cybersecurity, where quantum communication offers unparalleled encryption capabilities. ​Moreover, the ability to coexist with the existing Internet infrastructure significantly reduces ​barriers ​to adoption, making it a more accessible and evolving solution to global communication needs.
As technology matures, experts anticipate the impacts of ​transformation in all industries, from the security of government communications to advanced health systems. ​The work of the University of the Northwest team has paved the way for a new ​era of connectivity, where quantum and conventional technologies work perfectly together to redefine information exchange opportunities.
With more research and development, the dream of ​a quantum ​Internet is closer to reality, ​promising a future where communication networks are faster, safer ​and more versatile ​than ever.
