Quantum Internet refers to the conceptual Internet connection between quantum computers and devices. The uniqueness of quantum physics continues to mesmerize scientists, and with each discovery, we are slowly but surely moving closer to establishing a quantum network. Just to get things straight, this does not exist yet, but in this article, we have a look at the options based on the science we know today.
From bits to qubits
The Internet we use today transfers information in the form of bits. Each bit can have two values at a time, 0 and 1. Different arrangements of bits encode all the information we transfer. Instead of bits, the quantum Internet uses quantum bits, or qubits for short, which can have both 0 and 1 values simultaneously. In quantum mechanics, superposition means the state of having multiple values at once. Several implementations exist for expressing qubits. The most common of them are electron spin and photon polarization.
Quantum Entanglement: Another key property is entanglement—linking two or more qubits so they become inextricably connected. Changes to one entangled qubit instantly affect the others, even across huge distances
Superposition allows a qubit to represent multiple states at once.… pic.twitter.com/8D5K1REqbd
— Civil Learning (@CivilLearning1) March 1, 2024
Qubits can be entangled. Entanglement is a special connection between qubits that can instantly transfer the information of qubits’ state no matter how far they are. So, if two qubits are entangled, changing the state of one qubit could instantly change the other qubit’s state accordingly. Quantum Internet could use quantum entanglement and allow secure connection, distributed computing, and network synchronization.
The quantum network uses quantum channels like special satellites or optical cables to distribute the qubits. But the true stale network is still out of reach. In 2022, scientists found a breakthrough in quantum computing by using silicon chips. A recent breakthrough was achieved in January 2024 when scientists found a way of storing quantum memory at room temperature. Qubit states are very fragile, which makes it challenging to transmit accurately. Also, we have yet to achieve technical advancement to transmit qubits efficiently and securely.
'Quantum memory breakthrough' may lead to a quantum internet
We're now one step closer to a "quantum internet" — an interconnected web of quantum computers — after scientists built a network of "quantum memories" at room temperature for the first time. https://t.co/JdguDkp9Ff— Arch-Physicist 𓅄 😷 #MildZeroCovid (@zin_zah) March 3, 2024
Will Quantum Internet replace the Internet as we know it?
Quantum Internet is not a substitution or alternative to regular Internet—at least not yet. Researchers are focusing the development of the quantum Internet on some specific uses. While quantum technology is advancing rapidly, it is still at an early stage. Also, it is too powerful to utilize in daily life. As such, it won’t replace regular Internet due to the lack of regular usage and technological requirements and limitations.
Quantum Internet possesses significant possibilities and usefulness in various fields. Thanks to the laws of physics, quantum encryption is virtually unbreakable. Quantum entanglement can connect distant machines and create a supermachine. Superposition allows quantum devices to explore numerous possibilities simultaneously, helping explore deeper material science, invent new drugs and chemical composition, and simulate and predict social or financial models. Quantum Internet could also allow us to establish secure communication, measure gravitational waves from black holes, electromagnetic imaging, and more.
Photo credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been done by China Images.
Source: Nature / Andrew Nellis (University of Chicago News)
