Quantum calls have taken an important step with recent Chinese research. The researchers involved say they have managed to set a new world record with secure and direct quantum communication (QSDC).
The line of communication would be completely secure and impossible to hack, according to studies. It has allowed data to be transmitted over 102.2 kilometers away, that is, about 84 kilometers more than the last record, which was 18 kilometers.
However, the transmission rate was only 0.54 bits per second, lower than on other lines. Despite being slow, the vision for the future is that this quantum communication will be used massively, because of its benefits.
Quantum communication is a technology under development that aims to send encrypted messages. Their safety is grounded because their messages entangle photons (particles of light) and if someone tries to enter them, they separate and the message is lost.
Quantum entanglement was predicted since 1935 by Einsten, Podolsky and Rose (EPR). The entangled particles have a common link, so if the property of one of them is changed, the others are lost. Consequently, only those who participate in the entanglement line can intervene and “see” them.
The team of researchers has set a record with this advance, making a physical system with a new protocol. Although the communication was 102.2 kilometers, it is estimated that in the future it will be more extensive, and the speed is also expected to improve.
Experts from the American Association for Advancement point out that efforts are to entangle these particles, essentially binding them over long distances, because the entanglement is lost as they are transmitted through optical fibers or open spaces on the ground.
One of the ways to solve the problem is by breaking the transmission line into small segments and repeatedly exchanging, debugging and storing quantum information through optical fiber. Another solution to the problem is using lasers and satellite-based technologies.
If these communications continue to progress productively, quantum lines, practically impossible to hack, could begin to be available in a short time.
This past March, 54 million euros were allocated in Spain to the Ministry of Science and Innovation to promote the development and implementation of quantum technologies to strengthen the entity's cybersecurity.
In this way, they will work to create a highly secure communication infrastructure in Spain, while supporting the European quantum industry and driving a new industrial sector with new companies in the digital and cybersecurity arena.
Although this communication is increasingly becoming a more real option, its opportunities have been explored for many years. In June 2017, Chinese scientists reported that they had achieved a transmission of entangled photons between suborbital space and Earth.
In this research, between the satellite in orbit and the earth stations there were between 500 and 2,000 kilometers of distance. To operate it, a laser beam on the satellite was subjected to a beam splitter, which gave two distinct polarized states. One of them was used for the transmission of entangled photons and the other for the reception of photons, exceeding distances of more than a thousand kilometers, which also represents a record.
(With information from EP and EFE)
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