In a groundbreaking achievement, Deutsche Telekom and Qunnect have made significant strides toward establishing a quantum internet. Conducted at T-Labs in Berlin, researchers successfully maintained high fidelity (99%) transmission of entangled photons over 30 kilometres of commercial fibre for 17 days, achieving a mere 1% downtime. This remarkable experiment demonstrates how current telecommunications infrastructure can support the future of quantum networking.
The field experiment showcased a pioneering system capable of automatically compensating for fluctuating environmental conditions, which has proved essential for the viability of the quantum internet. In separate experiments, the researchers routed entangled photons along 82 kilometres of pathways, coexisting seamlessly with traditional data traffic while achieving fidelities above 92%. These results underline the enormous potential for high-fidelity entanglement in fibre optic networks.
For the quantum internet to extend beyond secure networking, it will require the disbursement of compatible entangled photons, or qubits, used by quantum devices. Successful utilisation of polarization qubits opens up innovative applications, such as ultra-secure communication and time synchronization for satellite networks. Despite challenges in maintaining quantum stability over long distances, the prospects for future network applications remain vibrant.
Deutsche Telekom’s CEO, Claudia Nemat, expressed confidence in their existing fibre optics being “ready for the Quantum Internet, even today,” implying that innovative leaps will enhance customer benefits, including higher security in communications. Similarly, Qunnect’s CEO, Noel Goddard, affirmed the importance of partnerships in showcasing the utility of quantum networking over commercial infrastructures.
T-Labs plans to enhance the integration of cutting-edge quantum technologies to bolster cybersecurity and innovation in telecommunications. In 2023, Deutsche Telekom opened a Quantum Lab in Berlin, connecting over 2,000 kilometres of fibre-optic networks to research institutions across Germany, signalling a commitment to exploring new technological frontiers alongside academia.
As Deutsche Telekom and Qunnect pioneer advancements in quantum networking, their alliance reflects a shared vision for the transformation of telecommunications. With T-Labs driving research, the future of quantum communications looms on the horizon, set to revolutionise various industries and enhance data security.
Deutsche Telekom and Qunnect have achieved a landmark feat in quantum networking by demonstrating 99% fidelity transmission of entangled photons over 30 kilometres for 17 days. This success signals a significant foundation for the future of the quantum internet, integrating existing fibre optic networks with emerging quantum technologies for ultra-secure communication and various innovative applications. The collaborative efforts signify a substantial leap toward more secure and efficient telecommunications.
In conclusion, Deutsche Telekom and Qunnect’s groundbreaking achievements in quantum networking mark a transformative step towards creating a quantum internet. By demonstrating sustained high-fidelity transmission of entangled photons and integrating quantum technologies with existing infrastructure, they are paving the way for secure communications and innovative applications in telecommunications. Their collaborative approach with researchers indicates a promising future for the integration of quantum science into everyday technological use.
Original Source: www.morningstar.com
