Researchers have successfully conducted quantum teleportation through a fibre-optic internet cable, while it simultaneously transmitted regular internet traffic.

According to the team, this breakthrough suggests that existing internet infrastructure could be adapted for quantum communication.

Figure 1. Quantum Teleportation

The findings, published in Optica, are hailed as groundbreaking. “This is incredibly exciting because nobody thought it was possible,” says lead researcher Professor Prem Kumar from Northwestern University, USA. Figure 1shows Quantum Teleportation.

“Our work demonstrates a path toward integrating next-generation quantum and classical networks on a shared fibre-optic infrastructure. Essentially, it opens the door to advancing quantum communications to the next level.”

Quantum teleportation enables the transmission of information across long distances by utilizing quantum-entangled particles.

“In optical communications, all signals are converted to light,” explains Kumar.

“While conventional signals for classical communications usually consist of millions of particles of light, quantum information relies on single photons.”

Internet cables, which are filled with light, were previously considered too congested for quantum teleportation, as the single photons required for this process could easily get lost in the flow of information.

However, the researchers discovered a specific wavelength of light, combined with special filters, that effectively reduces the noise.

"We carefully studied how light scatters and positioned our photons at a strategic point where that scattering mechanism is minimized," explains Kumar.

“We found that we could perform quantum communication without interference from the classical channels that were running simultaneously,” says Kumar.

To test their theory, the team set up a 30km fibre-optic cable experiment. They successfully transmitted both quantum information and internet traffic at the same time.

“Quantum teleportation has the potential to provide secure quantum connectivity between geographically distant nodes,” Kumar explains.

“Many have long assumed that new, specialized infrastructure would be needed to send particles of light. But by carefully selecting the wavelengths, we can avoid the need for new infrastructure. Classical and quantum communications can coexist seamlessly.”

Source:COSMOS

Cite this article:

Janani R (2024), Quantum Teleportation Achieved Through Internet Cables, AnaTechMaz, pp.163