Quantum technologies are currently maturing at a breath-taking pace. These technologies exploit principles of quantum mechanics in suitably engineered systems, with bright prospects such as boosting computational efficiencies or communication security well beyond what is possible with devices based on today's 'classical' technologies.
The researcher’s breakthrough is in finding a way that entangled quanta of light can use today’s fiber-optic cable technology to transmit at long distances. This is important because it means the future quantum internet can be built quickly and inexpensively from common mass-produced materials.
There’s a hitch - no one’s succeeded in building large scale working quantum computers yet. How soon will they arrive? Who knows. The field is advancing rapidly, but some say it could still be many years.
The researcher’s breakthrough is in finding a way that entangled quanta of light can use today’s fiber-optic cable technology to transmit at long distances. This is important because it means the future quantum internet can be built quickly and inexpensively from common mass-produced materials.
There’s a hitch - no one’s succeeded in building large scale working quantum computers yet. How soon will they arrive? Who knows. The field is advancing rapidly, but some say it could still be many years.
Here’s a University of Chicago article about the quantum internet.
Here’s Physicist Michio Kaku talking about quantum computers.