German scientists from the Leibniz University of Hannover have successfully transferred quantum and conventional data over a single fiber optic line for the first time. The research was published in the scientific journal magazine Science Advances (SciAdv).
Previously, experts had proven that quantum information could be sent through a standard fiber optic cable, but this had never before been done simultaneously with the transmission of a standard signal.
Quantum data usually exists in the form of entangled qubits. Entanglement occurs when two qubits (the basic units of quantum information) are linked in such a way that information is shared between them regardless of their relative location in time or space.
Entanglement is a highly unstable state that can easily be disrupted by noise or interference from other signals, including other data using the same wavelength in a fiber optic link. This is called “decoherence” and causes qubits to lose data.
To overcome these issues, the scientists used a technique called electro-optic phase modulation, with which the team adjusted the frequency of the laser pulses to match the color of the entangled photons.
This made it possible to transmit both types of data in the same color channel without damaging the quantum information stored in the entangled photons.
The ability to carry quantum and conventional data in one channel frees up other color channels in the fiber-optic cable for more data, the researchers said.
This could be the key to making many quantum computing applications, such as ultra-secure communications and quantum cryptography, more practical and scalable.
Scientists have previously discovered for the first time producedsent and received quantum data.
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Source: Gazeta
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