Researchers at the University of Oxford have made a breakthrough in securing quantum computers remotely. This advancement enables the secure execution of quantum computations via the cloud in the future, similar to how we currently use regular computers. This opens the door to personal use.
The technique, dubbed 'blind quantum computing,' utilizes a fiber optic connection between a quantum computer and a detector capable of observing light particles. This detector can be linked to a standard computer that connects to the quantum computer via the internet.
The unique aspect of this method is that users can process confidential data without it being visible to the quantum computer provider. They can also verify the accuracy of the calculations. This has been a major obstacle for using quantum computers over the internet.
In the future, this technology could lead to the development of specialized devices that can be connected to laptops for secure remote access to quantum computers.
Major technology companies like Amazon, Google, and IBM already offer limited quantum computing services online. This new security technique could enable the expansion of these services and the development of new applications, particularly in healthcare and finance. The research has been published in the American scientific journal Physical Review Letters.