24/7 Space News
CHIP TECH
New Milestone in Secure Communication Achieved Using Artificial Atoms
illustration only
New Milestone in Secure Communication Achieved Using Artificial Atoms
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 12, 2024

As quantum computers advance, traditional encryption methods are becoming increasingly vulnerable, necessitating the development of quantum key distribution (QKD) for securing data transmission. QKD leverages the unique principles of quantum physics, and although it has been refined over the years, the challenge of establishing large-scale networks has persisted due to limitations in existing quantum light sources.

In a recent article published in Light: Science and Applications, a research team from Germany, including Professor Fei Ding from Leibniz University of Hannover (LUH), Professor Stefan Kuck from Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), and Professor Peter Michler from the University of Stuttgart, successfully conducted the first intercity QKD experiment using a deterministic single-photon source. This development marks a significant advancement in the field of quantum communication, offering a new method for securing sensitive information against cyber threats.

The experiment utilized semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), often referred to as artificial atoms, to generate quantum light for information technologies. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of semiconductor single-photon sources for enabling a secure, long-distance quantum internet.

"We work with quantum dots, which are tiny structures similar to atoms but tailored to our needs. For the first time, we used these 'artificial atoms' in a quantum communication experiment between two different cities. This setup, known as the 'Niedersachsen Quantum Link,' connects Hannover and Braunschweig via optical fibre," explained Professor Fei Ding.

The intercity experiment took place in Niedersachsen, Germany, where a 79-kilometer optical fiber link connects LUH in Hannover with PTB in Braunschweig. In the experiment, the team at LUH, referred to as Alice, prepared single photons with polarization encryption. At PTB, Bob used a passive polarization decoder to decrypt the polarization states of the received photons through the fiber-based quantum channels. This setup also represents the first quantum communication link in Lower Saxony, Germany.

The researchers achieved stable and rapid transmission of secret keys over the network. They confirmed that positive secret key rates (SKRs) are achievable over distances of up to 144 km, corresponding to a 28.11 dB loss in a controlled laboratory setting. Furthermore, they ensured a high-rate transmission of secret keys with a low quantum bit error ratio (QBER) over a continuous 35-hour period using the deployed fiber link.

"Comparative analysis with existing QKD systems involving SPS reveals that the SKR achieved in this work goes beyond all current SPS-based implementations. Even without further optimisation of the source and setup performance, it approaches the levels attained by established decoy state QKD protocols based on weak coherent pulses," commented Dr. Jingzhong Yang, the first author of the study.

The team also noted the potential of quantum dots for other quantum internet applications, such as quantum repeaters and distributed quantum sensing, due to their ability to store quantum information and emit photonic cluster states. This work highlights the feasibility of integrating semiconductor single-photon sources into practical, large-scale, and high-capacity quantum communication networks.

The demand for secure communication is as old as civilization itself. Quantum communication ensures that messages remain secure by utilizing the quantum properties of light. "Quantum dot devices emit single photons, which we control and send to Braunschweig for measurement. This process is fundamental to quantum key distribution," said Ding. He expressed enthusiasm about the research collaboration, stating, "Some years ago, we only dreamt of using quantum dots in real-world quantum communication scenarios. Today, we are thrilled to demonstrate their potential for many more fascinating experiments and applications in the future, moving towards a 'quantum internet'."

Research Report:High-rate intercity quantum key distribution with a semiconductor single-photon source

Related Links
Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics
Computer Chip Architecture, Technology and Manufacture
Nano Technology News From SpaceMart.com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
CHIP TECH
China's top chipmaker reports Q2 plunge in profits
Beijing (AFP) Aug 8, 2024
Leading Chinese chipmaker SMIC announced Thursday a sharp year-on-year drop in profits during the second quarter, as a domestic price war and technological rivalry between Beijing and Washington show no signs of abating. The United States has in recent years taken steps to cut off Chinese firms from accessing its technology and has tightened restrictions on semiconductor exports to the world's second-largest economy. Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), which is listed i ... read more

CHIP TECH
LeoLabs Secures $20M in New Contracts in H1 2024

ISS Crew Conducts Historic Archaeological Survey in Space

Cygnus resupply spacecraft reaches ISS with four tons of supplies, experiments

Ascending Node Technologies Releases Innovative Spaceline Visualization Software

CHIP TECH
One SpaceX launch scrubbed, another still a go

Northrop Grumman Completes Static Test of Digitally Engineered Rocket Motor

Rocket Lab Plans Next Electron Launch Eight Days After Recent Mission

Variable-Thrust Rocket Engine Passes Initial Hot-Fire Tests

CHIP TECH
NASA Trains Machine Learning Algorithm for Mars Sample Analysis

A Yellow Jacket on Mars

One year on 'Mars': Inside NASA's ultra-realistic isolation study

Has NASA found evidence of ancient life on Mars

CHIP TECH
Astronauts on Tiangong Space Station Complete Fire Safety Drill

Shenzhou XVIII Crew Conducts Emergency Drill on Tiangong Space Station

Beijing Unveils 'Rocket Street' to Boost Commercial Space Sector

Shenzhou XVII Crew Shares Post-Mission Insights with Media

CHIP TECH
AST SpaceMobile Prepares for September Launch with Arrival of First Commercial Satellites at Cape Canaveral

Beijing Institute of Technology Unveils New Design for Satellite Mega Constellations

China launches first satellites for Internet megaconstellation into space

AST SpaceMobile Gets FCC Green Light for First Commercial Satellite Launch

CHIP TECH
Chile's largest steelmaker suspends production, blames China

With sustainable cement, startup aims to eliminate gigatons of CO2

AFRL Collaborative Automation For Manufacturing Systems Laboratory opens

UCLA Engineers Develop Shape-Shifting Metamaterial Inspired by Classic Toys

CHIP TECH
AI Competition Targets Exoplanet Atmospheres

Study Highlights Potential Dangers to Habitable Planets Around Red Dwarfs

Why advanced Technosignatures could evade detection

Astronomers use AI to Detect Stars Consuming Planets

CHIP TECH
Ariel's Carbon Dioxide Indicates Potential Subsurface Ocean on Uranus' Moon

Spacecraft to swing by Earth, Moon on path to Jupiter

A new insight into Jupiter's shrinking Great Red Spot

Queen's University Belfast Researchers Investigate Mysterious Brightening of Chiron

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.