Chinese scientists have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in quantum protected direct communication (QSDC) by reaching a transmission speed of 2.38 kbit/s over a distance of 104.8 km in standard fiber. This achievement brings the technology closer to the speeds of the switched access on the Internet in the 1990s and sets the groundwork for the potential development of a quantum Internet.
The newly developed protocol enables the safe transmission of text, voice, and images in quantum states. This technology has the potential to securely send small volumes of confidential information, including financial data and critical national security information.
Researchers highlight that the new system not only establishes a reliable connection but also has the capability to detect any attempts to intercept data in real-time. This feature is crucial in environments where information leakage is intolerable.
Lun Guilu, the creator of QSDC technology and a professor of physics at Qinghua University, noted that the developed protocol could serve as the foundation for constructing a quantum Internet. Unlike the traditional Internet, which transmits information in bits, the quantum Internet uses qubits and quantum effects to achieve secure communication. The laboratory prototype of such a network has already been established.
As advancements in quantum computing progress, the issue of communication security becomes increasingly important. The utilization of QSDC can significantly complicate attempts to intercept information, providing unparalleled protection for transmitted data. This approach is poised to play a crucial role in combatting threats in cyberspace.
The research conducted by the scientists was published on February 21 in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Science Advances. This development has the potential to lead to the creation of secure quantum networks that could replace existing data transmission systems.
Quantum communication technology is considered a crucial area in the realm of security, especially for banks, government organizations, and large corporations. The recent achievement by Chinese scientists underscores the promising practical applications of this technology.
While the quantum Internet is still in the experimental stages, the progress made by Chinese researchers indicates that its emergence may be on the horizon in the coming years.