Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have made significant progress in the creation of an ultra-fast and highly secure Internet for the future by developing a new method for quantum memory using a specialized drum. The findings of this study have been published in the scientific journal Physical Review Letters.
The drum’s membrane can convert light impulses carrying quantum data into sound vibrations, preserving the information in a quantum state. This enables the drum to restore signals when necessary and transmit them using new light sources.
When transmitting information between quantum computers over long distances, signal loss due to noise in communication lines is a common issue. Traditional methods of signal strengthening at intermediate stations used in simple computer networks are not suitable for quantum calculations as they would require data transfer to a classic binary format, resulting in the loss of characteristics and making the system vulnerable to cyber attacks.
The drum’s ability to directly accept and transmit signals while maintaining their original state expands the speed of calculations to entire quantum networks and the Internet.
Previous experiments have shown that the drum can maintain information in a quantum state for up to 23 milliseconds, far exceeding practical requirements and instilling optimism among scientists about the technology’s potential.
An important advantage of this development over alternative methods involving atom manipulation is the greater flexibility of the mechanical system. Professor Albert Shlisser, a co-author of the study, explained, “The disadvantage of atomic systems is that we cannot independently control the behavior of atoms or the frequency of light interaction, whereas our mechanical system offers much more flexibility for experimentation and parameter adjustment.”
Moreover, the drum offers practical benefits such as low signal loss and compatibility with a wide range of frequencies, including those used in modern fiber-optic networks.