The First Universal Quantum Network 156
MrSeb writes "German scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics have created the first 'universal quantum network' that could be feasibly scaled up to become a quantum internet. So far their quantum network only spans two labs spaced 21 meters apart, but the scientists stress that longer distances and multiple nodes are possible. The network's construction is ingenious: Each node is represented by a single rubidium atom, trapped inside a reflective optical cavity. These atoms communicate with each other by emitting a single photon over an optical fiber. Each atom is a quantum bit — a qubit — and the polarization of the photon emitted carries the quantum state of the qubit. The receiving qubit absorbs the photon and takes on the quantum state of the transmitter. Voila: A network of qubits that can send, receive, and store quantum information. In another, probably more exciting test, the emitted photons were actually used to entangle the rubidium atoms."
I have no idea (Score:4, Interesting)
I have no idea what any of that means! or what it's ultimate implications are technologically speaking but it sounds awesome!
Anyone care to enlighten me on the subject?
Call me when we have instant transfer of data (Score:5, Interesting)
I'll be impressed when they figure out how to harness entangled particles to achieve instant transfer of information over vast distances.
Imagine a world with no RF generated, yet completely connected. Better yet... imagine the entire solar system or beyond connected with such a network.
Quantum Internet (Score:5, Interesting)
I am no physicist, so I am actually asking seriously to those of you who are.
As it is already know, particles which are entangled at the quantum level have an instant and equal reaction on one another regardless of distance. Would it not be possible to use this "Quantum Internet" for C from say, a satellite controller a rover on Mars and one on Earth?
I have heard that it is not really workable, but is that from an engineering prospective or from a laws of physics perspective?