Scientists Make Progress Toward Ultra-Secure Quantum Internet

Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China and the University of Vienna in Austria have demonstrated the possibility of transmitting information both over land and via satellites using quantum bits—qubits. Now, they have found a way to send even more data by using so-called quantum trits—qutrits.

How Quantum Technology Enhances Data Security

Quantum technology promises secure data transmission over long distances. Traditional bits, which are used to encode everything from financial records to YouTube videos, are streams of electrical or photonic pulses that can represent either a 1 or a 0. Qubits, which are typically electrons or photons, can carry more information because they can be polarized in two directions at once, allowing them to represent both 1 and 0 simultaneously. Qutrits, which can be polarized in three different dimensions at the same time, can carry even more information. In theory, this can be transmitted using quantum teleportation.

The Principle of Quantum Entanglement

Quantum data transmission is based on the concept of “entanglement.” Entangled quantum particles can affect each other’s state even if they are on different continents. During transmission, both parties in the communication receive a pair of entangled qubits. The sender measures the interaction of their qubit with another one containing the data they want to send.

Any interference with quantum units of information causes them to lose their quantum state, leaving a clear sign of tampering. If qutrits are used on a large scale, they could become the foundation of an ultra-secure quantum internet, which could be used to send confidential government and commercial data.