New switching device could help build a dream: the ultrafast quantum Internet
March 10, 2011 | Research
EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern University researchers have developed a new switching device that takes quantum communication to a new level. The device is a practical step toward creating a network that takes advantage of the mysterious and powerful world of quantum mechanics
The researchers can route quantum bits, or entangled particles of light, at very high speeds along a shared network of fiber-optic cable without losing the entanglement information embedded in the quantum bits. The switch could be used toward achieving two goals of the information technology world: a quantum Internet, where encrypted information would be completely secure, and networking superfast quantum computers.
The device would enable a common transport mechanism, such as the ubiquitous fiber-optic infrastructure, to be shared among many users of quantum information. Such a system could route a quantum bit, such as a photon, to its final destination just like an e-mail is routed across the Internet today.
The research — a demonstration of the first all-optical switch suitable for single-photon quantum communications — is published by the journal…
link to entire article: http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2011/03/quantum-communication.html
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