Quantum internet running at Los Alamos National Labs

In summary, researchers at Los Alamos National Labs have been running a quantum internet for the past two and a half years, which is a dream for security experts. This uses the powerful laws of quantum mechanics to ensure perfectly secure communication. However, this is not a breakthrough as the technology has been commercially available for years. Long-distance QC communications still face challenges such as the lack of repeaters and routers. There have also been rumours of a quantum link between the White House and Pentagon, which could potentially be true given the availability of the technology in research labs. Commercial short distance QC links are already in use by financial institutions.
  • #1
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What do you quantum experts think of this?

A quantum internet capable of sending perfectly secure messages has been running at Los Alamos National Labs for the last two and a half years, say researchers

One of the dreams for security experts is the creation of a quantum internet that allows perfectly secure communication based on the powerful laws of quantum mechanics.

http://www.technologyreview.com/view/514581/government-lab-reveals-quantum-internet-operated-continuously-for-over-two-years/

Link to the paper
http://arxiv.org/abs/1305.0305
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Im far from a quantum expert...

My grad school had a bunch of quantum optics and information guys and one of the big wigs briefly described such a scheme that is used between the white house and the pentagon. I am not sure if he "knew" it was the case or he just "assumed" it because its a natural application.
 
  • #3
It is essentially a clever way of using technology that has been commercially available for quite a few years, i.e. it is not really a "breakthrough".
Moreover, it still does not solve any of the problems that would need to be overcome for long-distance QC communications to become practical: i.e. the fact we don't have repeaters and routers.

Also, the rumour about a link between the White House and Pentagon has been circulating for many years. The fact that the technology was widely available in reseach labs at the time the rumours started (but is just very expensive means) means that it might very well be true.

There are also a number of commerical short distance QC links in operation around the world, they are mainly used by banks and other financial institutions.
 

Related to Quantum internet running at Los Alamos National Labs

1. What is a quantum internet?

A quantum internet is a proposed communication network that uses quantum technology to enable secure transmission of information over long distances. It involves the use of quantum bits (qubits) instead of classical bits to transmit and process information.

2. How does a quantum internet work?

A quantum internet uses the principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to transfer information between two or more parties. Qubits are created and manipulated using quantum devices, and then transmitted through quantum channels to be received and decoded by the intended recipient.

3. What are the potential applications of a quantum internet?

A quantum internet has the potential to revolutionize fields such as cryptography, communication, and computing. It could enable secure communication and data transfer, as well as significantly improve the speed and efficiency of quantum computing.

4. What is Los Alamos National Labs' role in developing a quantum internet?

Los Alamos National Labs is one of the leading institutions in the world working on the development of a quantum internet. They have a dedicated research team focused on developing quantum network technologies, as well as collaborating with other institutions and companies to advance the field.

5. When will a quantum internet be available for public use?

It is difficult to predict exactly when a quantum internet will be available for public use, as it is still in the early stages of development. However, significant progress has been made in recent years and it is estimated that a functional quantum internet could be available within the next decade.

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