Image
- Toshiba Europe has announced a breakthrough in quantum communications over standard fibre-optic cable and at normal room temperature
- Simple chip technology replaces complex cryogenics to allow quantum communications over regular telecom infrastructure
- It has also enabled the first deployment of twin-field quantum-key distribution (TF-QKD) over greater distances than possible with point-to-point QKD
- Possibility of building quantum internet between cities and countries gets closer
Toshiba Europe has announced the successful completion of coherent, secure quantum communications over an existing telecom network using standard fibre optic cable at normal room temperature and completely without the need for any highly complex cryogenic components.
It’s a remarkable feat. Instead of relying on low temperatures and temperamental equipment, the trial ran quantum comms over 155 miles of off-the-shelf fibre optic equipment and relied throughout on straightforward, comparatively inexpensive, simple, and easily available semiconductor-based devices. The trial took place in Germany between sites in Kehl and Frankfurt over Deutsche Telekom’s fibre network.
