The Quantum internet takes shape as Toshiba successfully tested Quantum Computers over a long distance.
How far is a long distance? Toshiba successfully sent quantum information over 600-kilometer-long optical fibers, creating a new distance record and paving the way for large-scale quantum networks that could be used to exchange information securely between cities and even countries.
Why was it a success? that data was sent without scrambling the fragile quantum data encoded in the particles.
How did they do it? Advancements in a new technology that stabilized the environmental fluctuations occurring in the fiber optic cabling.
Was that really a success? In short yes. Here's why tackling the unstable conditions inside optical fibers, Toshiba's researchers developed a new technique called "dual band stabilization". The method sends two signals down the optical fiber at different wavelengths. The first wavelength is used to cancel out rapidly varying fluctuations, while the second wavelength, which is at the same wavelength as the qubits, is used for finer adjustments of the phase. To net it out (no pun intended), the two wavelengths combine to cancel environmental fluctuations inside the fiber in real time, which according to Toshiba's researchers, enabled qubits to travel safely over 600 kilometers.
So what is the the quantum internet? a new global phenomenon will shape by creating a global network of quantum devices connected by long-distance quantum communication links. Secondarily, are expected to enable use-cases that are impossible with today's web applications. They range from generating virtually un-hackable communications, to creating clusters of inter-connected quantum devices that together could surpass the compute power of classical devices.
What else is Toshiba bringing to the Quantum table? the company's team has used the technology to trial one of the most well-known applications of quantum networks: quantum-based encryption. Which is known as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the protocol leverages quantum networks to create security keys that are impossible to hack, meaning that users can securely exchange confidential information, like bank statements or health records, over an untrusted communication channel such as the internet. During a communication, QKD works by having one of the two parties encrypt a piece of data by encoding the cryptography key onto qubits and sending those qubits over to the other person thanks to a quantum network. Because of the laws of quantum mechanics, however, it is impossible for a spy to intercept the qubits without leaving a sign of eavesdropping that can be seen by the users – who, in turn, can take steps to protect the information. Unlike classical cryptography, therefore, QKD does not rely on the mathematical complexity of solving security keys, but rather leverages the laws of physics. This means that even the most powerful computers would be unable to hack the qubits-based keys. It is easy to see why the idea is gathering the attention of players from all parts, ranging from financial institutions to intelligence agencies.
Additionally, Toshiba's new technique to reduce fluctuations in optical fibers enabled the researchers to carry out QKD over a much larger distance than previously possible. With their new techniques they have developed, further extensions of the communication distance for QKD are still possible and solutions can also be applied to other quantum communications protocols and applications.
Still not sure on what Quantum computing is or the leaders in this space? Read up on my past Quantum articles here:
Quantum Entanglement Network is up and running - compare the distance from the blog below to the new tests by Toshiba
Quantum Internet Tested
MIT importance to US Quantum Computing efforts
Summary - don't blink or you could literally miss huge advancements in the Quantum race. Stay classy and enjoy the Journey!
