The telecommunications and connectivity markets represent a central pillar of our economy and our development as a society. The advances we are experiencing in various fields—so numerous and diverse that it is impossible to list them all—would not be possible without these ecosystems. Nor will the future advancements that are already on the horizon, among which quantum communication and connectivity stand out due to their immense potential.

Quantum communication: the connectivity of tomorrow

Before diving into the subject, it’s important to clarify a key point. Although scientists have been researching and testing quantum computing for years, many of the premises they work with, as well as many of the concepts we will discuss here, are based on the principles of quantum physics. This means that, to a large extent, we are still operating in the realm of theory. All indications suggest that many of these assumptions are possible, but empirical proof and practical applications are still being developed.

That said, quantum connectivity and communication rely on the theoretical and practical principles that deal with subatomic particles. By superimposing and entangling these particles, it becomes possible to achieve a level of connection with reliability and performance previously unknown, shattering the current limitations of connectivity and computing.

These particles, known as Qubits or quantum bits—typically light photons—can take on values of both one and zero simultaneously, making it virtually impossible to intercept or intervene in the connectivity from outside the transmission system. In addition to offering exponentially superior computing power, quantum connectivity systems would be nearly impervious to hacking or external interference, as even the mere act of measuring or observing could disrupt the data transmission.

A fiber optic network ready for quantum entanglement and superposition

Although quantum connectivity is still some way off, the telecommunications market must prepare for future needs. To support quantum data transmission, fiber optic technology will need to evolve. Among other requirements, it will be essential for fiber optics to support low chromatic dispersion of light, as well as low birefringence—variations in the propagation speed of light with different polarizations.

Not to mention its ability to support quantum entanglement, compatibility with future quantum repeaters, polarization control, and the capacity to operate with non-quantum telecommunication systems.

Advances bringing quantum internet closer

Although these simultaneous requirements may seem to push the dream of quantum connectivity further away, university experts are making significant progress, bringing us closer to that goal.

Researchers at the Institute of Photonics at Leibniz University Hannover have developed a new transmitter-receiver concept to transmit entangled photons through fiber optics. Their experiments showed that the entanglement of photons is maintained even when sent together with a laser pulse.

According to Michael Kues, director of the institute, “It is demonstrated that photons can now be transmitted in the same color channel as laser light. This means that all color channels could still be used for conventional data transmission. Our experiment shows how the practical implementation of hybrid networks can succeed.”

Additionally, physicists at the University of Bath have developed a new generation of optical fibers to tackle the data transfer challenges in the future era of quantum computing. This could address potential scalability issues and offer a new alternative for connecting nodes in a network to implement quantum computing in those nodes, acting as sources of individual entangled photons, quantum wavelength converters, low-loss switches, or containers for quantum memories.

Although there is still a long road ahead, it is clear that quantum telecommunications are getting closer to becoming a reality, enabling a complete transformation in our concept of connectivity and its applications.