On January 31, 2025, researchers from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, achieved a significant milestone in quantum physics by successfully teleporting fragile quantum states over a high-traffic fiber optic network. This advancement could revolutionize quantum communication by utilizing existing internet infrastructure.
The process, known as quantum teleportation, involves transferring quantum properties from one light particle to another distant particle at light speed. This technique could soon be adapted for secure, eavesdrop-proof communication channels.
By demonstrating that quantum information can be transmitted through conventional fiber optic networks without disrupting daily data traffic, the researchers suggest that the costly establishment of separate quantum networks may become unnecessary. This discovery not only enhances the feasibility of quantum communication but also opens new avenues for integrating quantum technologies into everyday internet use.