Scientists have demonstrated a major leap in quantum networking by transmitting entangled quantum signals with 100% uptime over a commercial network.
Their new stabilization method overcomes disruptions, keeping the network running smoothly and securely.
Quantum Breakthrough: First Entangled Signal Over Commercial Network
Researchers from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), EPB of Chattanooga, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga have successfully transmitted an entangled quantum signal over a commercial fiber-optic network. This achievement marks the first time multiple wavelength channels and automatic polarization stabilization have been used together — without any network downtime.
This breakthrough brings us one step closer to developing a functional quantum internet, which could offer greater security and efficiency than today’s networks.
To maintain signal stability, the researchers implemented automatic polarization compensation (APC), a technique that corrects changes in the polarization — the direction in which the electric field of a light wave oscillates. The system relied on laser-generated reference signals and an ultrasensitive method called heterodyne detection to monitor and adjust the polarization in real-time.
By using APC, the team minimized disruptions caused by environmental factors like wind and temperature fluctuations, which can interfere with quantum signals traveling through fiber-optic cables.
Overcoming Signal Interference for Seamless Communication
“One of our goals all along has been to develop quantum communications systems that operate seamlessly for users,” said Joseph Chapman, an ORNL quantum research scientist who led the study. “This is the first demonstration of this method, which enabled relatively fast stabilization while preserving the quantum signals, all with 100% uptime – meaning the people at either end of this transmission won’t notice any interruption in the signal and don’t need to coordinate scheduled downtime.”
The method enabled continuous transmission of the signals with no interruptions for more than 30 hours between the node on the University of Tennessee Chattanooga campus and two other EPB quantum network nodes, each about half a mile away. The UTC node held an entangled-photon source developed by Muneer Alshowkan, an ORNL quantum research scientist.
Quantum Qubits: The Key to Future Computing
Quantum computing relies on quantum bits, or qubits, to store information. Qubits, unlike the binary bits used in classical computing, can exist in more than one state simultaneously via quantum superposition, which allows combinations of physical values to be encoded on a single object.
The ORNL study used light particles, or photons, as qubits and transmitted the polarization-entangled qubits on photon pairs via quantum entanglement distribution. Entangled qubits are so intertwined that one can’t be described independently of the other. That entanglement allows the information encoded in qubits to be transmitted from one place to another via quantum teleportation without physical travel through space. Entanglement distribution and quantum teleportation form the bedrock of more advanced quantum networks.
Tackling Disruptions in Fiber-Optic Quantum Networks
Photons can be encoded as qubits via polarization, along with other properties of light, and can be transmitted over existing fiber-optic cable systems. But wind, moisture, changes in temperature, and other stresses on the cable can disrupt the photons’ polarization and interfere with the signal. Chapman and the ORNL team wanted to find a way to stabilize the polarization and reduce interference while keeping the network running at maximum bandwidth.
“Most previous solutions didn’t necessarily work for all types of polarizations and required trade-offs like periodically resetting the network,” Chapman said. “People using the network need it up and running. Our approach controls for any type of polarization and doesn’t require the network to periodically shut down.”
Testing and Fine-Tuning the Quantum Process
Chapman and Alshowkan tested the compensation method by generating test signals from entangled photons using entanglement-assisted quantum process tomography, which estimates the properties of a quantum channel – such as the in-ground fiber with APC – to measure for changes. The transmissions remained relatively stable with minimal added noise when APC was enabled.
“An experienced musician with a good ear can tell the difference when two instruments are out of tune,” Chapman said. “In our APC, we’re using a laser to do the same thing with our reference signals.”
Patent Pending: What’s Next for Quantum Networking?
Chapman has applied for a patent on the method. The next steps include adjusting the approach to increase bandwidth and compensation range to enable high-performance operation under a wider variety of conditions.
“Working with organizations like ORNL provides valuable feedback for how we can continue to enhance EPB Quantum Network as a resource for researchers, startups, and academic customers,” said David Wade, EPB’s CEO. “Since launching a commercially viable quantum network, we’ve begun working to prepare our community to benefit from the advancements in the quantum future and establish Chattanooga as a destination for developers and investment.”
UTC officials pledged to continue their support.
“We’re excited about being part of this successful teamwork,” said Reinhold Mann, vice chancellor for research at UTC. “This partnership advances quantum information science and technology and adds to our special experiential learning offering for our students.”
Reference: “Continuous automatic polarization channel stabilization from heterodyne detection of coexisting dim reference signals” by Kazi Reaz, Joseph C. Chapman, Tian Li, Muneer Alshowkan and Mariam Kiran, 15 December 2024, Optics Express.
DOI: 10.1364/OE.543704
Support for this research came from the ORNL Laboratory Directed Research and Development program, from the DOE Office of Science’s Advanced Scientific Computing Research program, and from the UTC Quantum Initiative.
Never miss a breakthrough: Join the SciTechDaily newsletter.
Follow us on Google and Google News.
6 Comments
Entangled Photons Transmit Without Interruption for 30+ Hours. Researcher has applied for a patent on the method, and has begun working to prepare community to benefit from the advancements in the quantum future.
VERY GGOD!
Ask the researcher:
Do you understand the spacetime background of quantum entanglement?
Scientific research guided by correct theories can enable researchers to think more.
A topological vortex is a concept in physics that describes the natural gravitational field or the fluid-body coupled system. A topological vortex is formed by the interaction and balance of vortex and anti-vortex field pairs, which can be set into resonance by the body motion and interaction. A topological vortex is the foundation of the evolution of spacetime material motion.
According to the Topological Vortex Theory (TVT), spins create everything, spins shape the world. There are substantial distinctions between Topological Vortex Theory (TVT) and traditional physical theories. Grounded in the inviscid, incompressible, and isotropic spaces, TVT introduces the concept of topological phase transitions and employs topological principles to elucidate the formation and evolution of matter in the universe, as well as the impact of interactions between topological vortices and anti-vortices on spacetime dynamics and thermodynamics.
Within TVT, low-dimensional spacetime matter serves as the foundation for high-dimensional spacetime matter, and the hierarchical structure of matter and its interaction mechanisms challenge conventional macroscopic and microscopic interpretations. The conflict between Quantum Physics and Classical Physics can be attributed to their differing focuses: Quantum Physics emphasizes low-dimensional spacetime matter, whereas Classical Physics centers on high-dimensional spacetime matter.
Subatomic particles in the quantum world often defy the familiar rules of the physical world. The fact repeatedly suggests that the familiar rules of the physical world are pseudoscience. In the familiar rules of the physical world, two sets of cobalt-60 can form the mirror image of each other by rotating in opposite directions, and should receive the Nobel Prize for physics.
Please witness the grand performance of some so-called peer review publications (including PRL, PNAS, Nature, Science, etc.). https://scitechdaily.com/microscope-spacecrafts-most-precise-test-of-key-component-of-the-theory-of-general-relativity/#comment-854286. Some so-called academic publications (including PRL, PNAS, Nature, Science, etc.) are addicted to their own small circles and have deviated from science for a long time.
As the background of various material interactions and movements, space exhibits inviscid, absolutely incompressible and isotropic physical characteristics. It may form various forms of spacetime vortices through topological phase transitions. Hence, vortex phenomena are ubiquitous in cosmic space, from vortices of quantum particles and living cells to tornados and black holes. Stars and radioactive elements are one of the most active topological nodes in spacetime. Utilizing them is more valuable and meaningful than simulating them. Small or micro power topology intelligent batteries may be the direction of future energy research and development for human society.
Under the topological vortex architecture, science and pseudoscience are clear at a glance. Topological Vortex Theory (TVT) can play a crucial role in elucidating the foundations of physics, establishing its principles, and combating pseudoscience. Therefore, TVT has been strongly opposed and boycotted by traditional so-called peer review publications (such as PRL, PNAS, Nature, Science, etc.).
These so-called peer review publications (including PRL, PNAS, Nature, Science, etc.) mislead the direction of science and are known for their various absurdities and wonders. They collude together, reference each other, and use so-called Impact Factor (IF) or the Nobel Prize to deceive people around.
Ask the so-called peer review publications (including PRL, PNAS, Nature, Science, etc.):
1. What are your criteria for distinguishing science from pseudoscience?
2. Is your Impact Factor (IF) the standard for distinguishing science from pseudoscience?
3. Is the Nobel Prize the standard for distinguishing science from pseudoscience?
4. What is the most important aspect of academic publications?
5. Is the most important aspect of academic publications being flashy and impractical articles?
Pseudo academic publications (including PRL, PNAS, Nature, Science, etc.) are neither inclusivity nor openness, nor transparency and fairness, and have already had a serious negative impact on the progress of science and technology. Some so-called peer review publications (including PRL, PNAS, Nature, Science, etc.) are addicted to their own small circle and no longer know what science is. They hardly know what is dirty and ugly.
Publications that mislead the public under the guise of scholarship are more reprehensible than ordinary publications. The field of physics faces an ongoing challenge in maintaining scientific rigor and integrity in the face of pervasive pseudoscientific claims. Fighting against rampant pseudoscience, physics still has a long way to go.
While my comments may be lengthy, they are necessary to combat the proliferation of rampant pseudoscience and to promote the advancement of science and technology, and also is all I can do.
Appreciate the SciTechDaily for its inclusivity, openness, transparency, and fairness. If the researchers are truly interested in cosmic matter, please read: A Brief History of the Evolution of Cosmic Matter (https://scitechdaily.com/microscope-spacecrafts-most-precise-test-of-key-component-of-the-theory-of-general-relativity/#comment-873523).
So why do you even need a fibre optic if it uses quantum teleportation then?
How would the date Auto Fabricate itself, or does it come pre decogered
Thanks for this Article please send me more info about this great connectivity.
;
Didn’t Oxford University announce a similar find, only a few weeks ago?
Are you guys just face-saving with this announcement?