Scientists have showcased a new method for transmitting images across a network without physically sending the image. This advancement could lead to the development of a quantum internet capable of managing high-dimensional entangled states.
The study, published in Nature Communications, was carried out by a global team from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences, Spain. They employed a method known as quantum state transfer, which entails transferring the quantum characteristics of one system to another, without transmitting any physical particles.
The team demonstrated the encoding of images in the quantum states of two entangled photons, which maintain a quantum connection even when separated. By measuring one photon, the other photon can be instantly manipulated to recreate the image, regardless of the distance between them.
This is akin to the concept of quantum teleportation, which has previously been demonstrated with single photons or qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information. However, the team set a new record by transmitting images with 15 dimensions of information, using only two photons as a quantum resource.
“Traditionally, two communicating parties physically send the information from one to the other, even in the quantum realm,” says the lead PI from Wits University. “Now, it is possible to teleport information so that it never physically travels across the connection – a ‘Star Trek’ technology made real.”
The team also utilized a new detector capable of measuring multiple photon properties simultaneously, without requiring extra photons. Developed by ICFO, this detector allowed the team to achieve high fidelity and efficiency in quantum state transfer.
Transporting high-dimensional quantum states could significantly impact the future of quantum communication and computing. Quantum networks relying on high-dimensional entangled states might provide greater information capacity, security, and resilience compared to existing systems.
The team aims to expand their technology and explore its potential applications in fields like biomedicine, metrology, and cryptography. They also seek to enhance the dimensionality and complexity of the quantum states they can transport, as well as the distance they can cover.
Relevant articles:
– First-ever teleportation-like quantum transport of images across a network without physically sending the image with the help of high-dimensional entangled states
– ‘Teleporting’ images across a network securely using only light
– ‘Teleporting’ images across a network securely using only light
– Research – Wits University