A quantum internet might enable very secure communications, but experts say it won’t be unhackable.
The researchers stored quantum information in a synthetic diamond crystal.
The photon is sent through an optical fiber to another rig, which entangles the remote qubits.
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In case you need a physics refresher, quantum information is stored in qubits.
Thanks to themysterious properties of entanglement, qubits can be used for encryption.
The Delft team is one of various efforts to make quantum computing a reality that are making progress.
What quantum entanglement might look like.Mark Garlick / Science Photo Library / Getty Images
The Department of Energy recently set a record bypreserving quantum states for more than 5 seconds.
“Security researchers are thus working to invent stronger encryption schemes that do not require using quantum principles.
These may not be perfectly secure in principle but may prove more practical in the short term.”
Not Unbreakable?
Boosters of a quantum internet often cite its security properties.
The quantum internet allows users to transmit information more securely than ever, Briedis said.
“It does have some interesting and potential added value in some respects,” Frantz added.
“For example, data privacy will be boosted because you would know when someone reads your data.
It won’t prevent the reading of it, but you know if someone stole your information.”
Correction 2/9/11: Added to Micheal Raymer’s titles in paragraph 8 to better reflect his expertise.
