New Delhi, December 24, 2024 – Researchers from Northwestern University have achieved a significant milestone in quantum physics by successfully demonstrating quantum teleportation over a fiber optic cable that simultaneously carries regular internet traffic. This groundbreaking development suggests that quantum communication can be integrated into existing infrastructure, potentially revolutionizing data transmission.
Quantum teleportation relies on the principle of quantum entanglement, a phenomenon that allows information to be exchanged between entangled particles without the need for physical transmission. This advancement indicates that information can be conveyed over arbitrary distances instantaneously, offering a level of security and speed unattainable by conventional methods.
Traditionally, the challenge has been to transmit quantum information alongside the noisy signals of classical data traffic. Researchers identified a less crowded wavelength of light to minimize interference, utilizing filters to further reduce noise from the regular internet signals. In their experiment, they successfully transmitted quantum information over a 30.2-kilometer fiber optic cable that also handled 400 Gbps of internet traffic.
Lead researcher Prem Kumar stated, “This is incredibly exciting because nobody thought it was possible. Our work shows a path towards next-generation quantum and classical networks sharing a unified fiber optic infrastructure.” The implications of this research extend beyond mere data transmission; it opens doors for advanced quantum applications, including secure communications and the networking of quantum computers.
Future experiments aim to scale up this technique and explore entanglement swapping, which would allow for the exchange of entangled states among multiple photon pairs. By carefully selecting wavelengths, the researchers believe that quantum and classical communications can coexist on the same networks without the need for specialized infrastructure.