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| quantum internet | |
|---|---|
| Name | Quantum internet |
| Type | Emerging communication network |
| Introduced | 21st century |
| Related | Quantum communication, Quantum computing, Quantum cryptography |
quantum internet The quantum internet is a proposed global network that uses entanglement and teleportation to transmit quantum states between nodes, enabling distributed quantum computing and new modes of secure communication. It aims to interconnect devices such as trapped ion processors, superconducting qubit arrays, and photonic quantum computer modules through quantum channels that complement existing fiber-optic communication and satellite communication infrastructures. Research spans efforts by institutions like MIT, Caltech, Harvard University, University of Oxford, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and companies such as Google, IBM, Microsoft, X and startups inspired by initiatives linked to European Space Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and national research labs.
The concept unites ideas from Einstein's discussions on EPR, experimental milestones such as the Bell tests by Alain Aspect and later groups, and engineering advances exemplified by Claude Shannon's information theory applied to quantum systems. It differs from the classical Internet by distributing quantum correlations enabling protocols like quantum key distribution, quantum teleportation, and nonlocal sensing. Several national strategies and roadmaps from entities like European Commission, U.S. National Quantum Initiative and China National Laboratory drive coordinated efforts across academia and industry.
Core principles rest on superposition, entanglement, and measurement-induced state collapse formalized by pioneers such as Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg, and Paul Dirac. Quantum repeaters extend concepts from classical repeater technology using entanglement swapping and purification techniques developed from theoretical work by Charles H. Bennett, Gilles Brassard, Artur Ekert, and Seth Lloyd. Quantum memories implement reversible storage inspired by protocols from Lukin Group and experimental demonstrations at Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics. Photonic implementations leverage sources like spontaneous parametric down-conversion pioneered in nonlinear optics, while matter qubits use platforms developed at Yale University, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and IBM Research.
A quantum internet architecture includes end nodes, quantum repeaters, and classical control channels coordinated with timing systems such as Global Positioning System-based synchronization. End nodes may be based on trapped ion, NV center, quantum dot systems, or superconducting qubit processors. Quantum channels use optical fiber and free-space links via quantum satellite demonstrations by missions like Micius and proposals from SpaceX-adjacent programs. Network management borrows from layered models exemplified by the OSI model and standards work by organizations like IEEE and IETF to integrate quantum and classical control planes.
Security paradigms exploit fundamental results from Claude Shannon's secrecy theory reframed by protocols such as BB84 protocol by Charles H. Bennett and Gilles Brassard and entanglement-based schemes like E91 protocol by Artur Ekert. Device-independent approaches reference Bell inequality violations demonstrated by John Bell and later loophole-free tests by groups linked to University of Vienna and NIST. Post-quantum concerns tie to cryptanalysis efforts at National Security Agency and standards bodies like NIST's post-quantum cryptography project, while quantum key distribution networks build on trials in cities involving partners including Toshiba and BT Group.
Use cases range from secure communication for institutions such as European Central Bank and Bank of England to distributed sensing networks for observatories like LIGO and European Southern Observatory. Quantum-enhanced metrology could assist projects at CERN and NASA while distributed quantum computation supports collaborations among research centers like Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Emerging commercial services may involve cloud access models inspired by Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud integrating quantum resources from providers such as IBM Q and Rigetti Computing.
Experimental milestones include long-distance entanglement distribution by groups at Chinese Academy of Sciences with the Micius satellite, ground fiber networks tested by consortia involving University of Science and Technology of China, and metropolitan QKD trials in cities like Beijing, Vienna, Tokyo and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Lab demonstrations at MIT, Caltech, University of Oxford, Max Planck Institute and NIST show quantum repeater prototypes, memory coherence improvements at University of Cambridge and hybrid interfaces developed by startups like IQM and established firms such as NTT.
Key challenges include scalable quantum repeater deployment addressed in proposals by theorists like H. J. Kimble and experimental scaling akin to efforts at Google Quantum AI and Honeywell Quantum Solutions, integration with existing telecom infrastructure overseen by corporations such as Telefonica and Deutsche Telekom, and workforce development policies linked to universities and national initiatives. Future directions emphasize standardization by IEEE Standards Association, international cooperation through forums like G20 science tracks, commercialization pathways influenced by venture capital firms and incubators, and ethical and legal frameworks shaped by legislative bodies including European Parliament and national parliaments.
Category:Quantum technologies