33 kilometers: the new record for quantum entanglement between two atoms over fiber optics.
Key Takeaways
- Researchers entangled two atoms across 33 kilometers of fiber optic cable, breaking a distance record.
- The experiment paves the way for a faster and more secure quantum internet.
- Rubidium atoms in optical traps were entangled through photon emissions and joint measurements.
- Photon wavelength shifting to 1,517 nm reduced signal loss over long fiber optic distances.
- The study shows quantum communication can use existing fiber optic infrastructure and satellite tech.
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Quantum Entanglement Achieves Record Distance
Scientists in Germany have set a new milestone in quantum communication by demonstrating entanglement between two atoms separated by 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) of fiber optic cable. The breakthrough, achieved by researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU) and Saarland University, marks significant progress toward the development of a secure and efficient quantum internet.
Quantum entanglement, described by Albert Einstein as “spooky action at a distance,” is a phenomenon where two particles become so interlinked that altering one instantaneously affects the other, regardless of distance. While this idea once seemed far-fetched, it has been experimentally validated and utilized in cutting-edge communication research.
How the Record Was Set
In this experiment, two rubidium atoms were trapped in optical setups in separate buildings on the LMU campus. The initial distance of 700 meters (2,297 feet) was extended to 33 kilometers using additional fiber optic spools. Each atom emitted an entangled photon upon excitation by a laser. These photons were sent through the fiber optics to a central station where a joint measurement entangled the photons, and consequently, the two atoms.
To achieve this distance, the researchers tackled a significant challenge: the natural wavelength of the emitted photons (780 nanometers) leads to rapid signal loss in fiber optics. By converting the wavelength to 1,517 nm, closer to the standard 1,550 nm used in telecommunications, the photons could travel much farther with minimal loss.
This experiment established a new record for atom-based entanglement using fiber optics, surpassing previous limitations and demonstrating the feasibility of quantum communication over existing infrastructure.
Implications for the Future
This achievement is a crucial step toward building a quantum internet that is faster and more secure than traditional communication networks. A quantum internet would leverage quantum entanglement to transmit data with unprecedented speed and security, as information would be nearly impossible to intercept.
The researchers emphasized that their method can be integrated with current fiber optic networks, reducing the need for entirely new infrastructure. Furthermore, this technology could be paired with satellite systems, which have already succeeded in transmitting entangled photons over thousands of kilometers.
By combining fiber optics and satellites, future quantum networks could revolutionize global communication, enabling near-instantaneous and highly secure data transfer. This experiment demonstrates how quantum technology is steadily advancing from theoretical concepts to practical applications, opening the door to a transformative era in information technology.
The research was published in the journal Nature.
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