Washington, 24 October 2006
Lasers used for research (Warren Gretz, National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
By Paul Jackson
Physicists in Denmark successfully teleported quantum information over the distance of a half meter. The teleportation involved the movement of information through a light beam onto a collection of atoms.
While previous experiments in quantum teleportation were limited to using either light or matter, this experiment achieved teleportation using both, marking an advance in the field of quantum information processing toward the goal of transmitting and processing information in a way never before possible. In the future, this method of transmitting information may allow for absolutely secure communications because the information could not be intercepted while it is being sent.
The National Academies have published several reports that deal with the field of quantum science. Controlling the Quantum World -- an assessment of the state of AMO science and the compelling scientific opportunities it will present in the next decade -- explains the concept of quantum teleportation of light and matter and its promise for facilitating data transfer through quantum information processing. Atoms, Molecules, and Light: AMO Science Enabling the Future looks at the impact that discoveries in quantum science will have on national security, information technology, and computer science.
Controlling the Quantum World (2006)
Atoms, Molecules, and Light: AMO Science Enabling the Future (2002)
U.S. Department of Energy, Science and Technology
National Academies
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