World's Longest Quantum Fiber Network Established
Physicists demonstrate world's longest fiber distance for quantum internet, encoding information on photons superimposed in different states.
Physicists have successfully demonstrated the longest quantum internet yet.
- Harvard physicists demonstrate the world’s longest fiber distance between two quantum memory nodes, showing a simple, closed internet between point A and B.
- The demonstration uses existing Boston-area telecommunication fiber and establishes the practical makings of the first quantum internet.
- Quantum memory is an important component of an interconnected quantum computing future because it allows for complex network operations and information storage and retrieval.
- Each node is a small quantum computer made out of a sliver of diamond with a defect in its atomic structure, containing two qubits: one for communication and one for storing entanglement.
- The technology solves the problem of signal loss in traditional optical fibers by allowing silicon vacancy center-based network nodes to catch, store, and entangle bits of quantum information while correcting for signal loss.
- The researchers have leased optical fiber from a company in Boston to run their experiments, fitting their demonstration network on top of the existing fiber to indicate that creating a quantum internet with similar network lines would be possible.
- A two-node quantum network is only the beginning; the researchers are working to extend performance by adding nodes and experimenting with more networking protocols.
Source: Harvard University