US researchers achieve major breakthrough in quantum data transmission through open air
Researchers at Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory have successfully transmitted quantum data through open air over a 13-mile distance. This milestone represents a significant step toward integrating wireless links into existing fiber-optic quantum networks.
Why it matters
This breakthrough is essential for scaling quantum networks beyond the physical limitations of fiber-optic cables, paving the way for a secure, large-scale quantum internet.
Home News World Sports Entertainment Science Royal Trending Health Videos Technology Science US researchers achieve major breakthrough in quantum data transmission through open air The first of its kind US wireless demo extends an existing 161-mile quantum network and allows secure communications
In a breakthrough, researchers at Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory transmitted information through the open air across 13 miles-a major milestone toward adding wireless links to New York’s pioneering quantum communication network.
The experiment primarily sends quanta of light from Stony Brook’s Quantum Watchtower to Brookhaven’s Quantum Lighthouse in Upton and helps connect future quantum computers beyond the limits of fibre-optic cables.
The experiment was initiated by using a laser to generate quantum states of light containing just a few photons. It was observed that the particles left a light-guiding region about 5 micrometers wide, which is less than one-tenth the width of a human hair.
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