Researchers investigate quantum network solutions, by ground and by air

The Chicago Quantum Exchange has a person named Meredith Fore.

Regular computers can communicate with each other over the internet, but quantum computers cannot. If quantum computers could be connected through a quantum network, they could be used to solve more difficult problems than one quantum computer could do alone.

Two physicists from the Chicago Quantum Exchange took different approaches to address an obstacle in the implementation of large-scale ground-based quantum networks: how far a quantum signal can travel through optical fiber.

A solution to amplify and prevent data loss.

The professor at the University of Chicago focused on a solution called a quantum repeater. The quantum signal could travel longer if there were quantum repeaters in the network. There is significant progress in this direction, though no one has yet demonstrated a successful quantum repeater.

Data loss through error correction could be prevented by quantum repeaters. Classical networks, such as the ones that use the word "Bluetooth" and the one that uses the word "WiFi", have error correction codes that control the errors that happen in data when a signal is sent from one device to another.

Error correction is an important area of study in the field of quantum technology because quantum systems are prone to errors because of their quantum states.

There are two important questions to ask, from the theory perspective, Jiang said. Suppose we know the limit. Is it possible to achieve it with good quantum error-correcting code design?

Jiang shared another application of quantum networks, where users on a quantum network can access a classical database for the purposes of quantum computing. Jiang sees QDCs as a solution to the problem of retrieving classical data from a database.

The QRAM could be used as a quantum server, connecting to users via a quantum network. The cost of such an expensive device could be shared by this.

Bringing quantum networks into the air.

The Bardeen Professor of Physics at the University of Illinois, Paul Kwiat, believes that a solution to the problem of fiber optic signal loss could be to take the quantum network off the ground and into the air, via drones, or even into space.

At the moment, we only have local fiber networks, with few exceptions.

There are many advantages to a quantum network where the nodes are easy to move. Some are scientific, such as conducting large-scale quantum sensing or studying quantum phenomena in different frames to test the relationship between quantum mechanics and relativity. Airborne vehicles can be used for quantum communication where fiber connections are not an option, such as on naval ships on the ocean.

A quantum network between satellites in space would allow for more tests of fundamental quantum mechanics, with greater distances and velocities than are possible on earth.

NASA helped fund a US-led project that will test quantum communication technologies in space. The International Space Station will be home to the first quantum information science payload on a commercial space station module. Since there are no moving pieces that require regular realignment, it will be the first flown and integrated optical source that is more efficient than previous, similar quantum experiments. The spring of 2023 is when SEAQUE is scheduled to launch.

The group that leads the project is responsible for the control board and optical equipment for SEAQUE, which is being provided by institutions in the US, Canada, and Singapore.

The experiment is a tri-national quantum experiment in space.

More information: More information on SEAQUE is available at www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/space … unications-tech-demo Provided by Chicago Quantum Exchange Citation: Researchers investigate quantum network solutions, by ground and by air (2022, May 5) retrieved 5 May 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-05-quantum-network-solutions-ground-air.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.