In World First Engineers Bring Quantum Internet to Commercial Fiber

In World First Engineers Bring Quantum Internet to Commercial Fiber
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Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully transmitted quantum signals over a commercial fiber-optic network, a crucial step toward a functioning quantum internet.

The project, described in SciTechDaily, utilized a new integrated “Q-chip” to coordinate both quantum and classical information. The chip is fully compatible with modern internet protocols, allowing quantum signals to travel alongside everyday internet traffic on existing commercial fiber-optic cables.

A key part of the system is the use of a “classical” signal that acts as a header and travels just ahead of the quantum signal. This classical header can be measured for routing purposes without disturbing the delicate quantum state of the particles. This allows the system to follow the same Internet Protocol (IP) that governs today’s internet.

Additionally, the researchers developed an error-correction method that uses the classical signal to infer and correct for noise and instability in the commercial network. This ensured the quantum signal remained intact with a transmission fidelity above 97%.