Successfully transmitted quantum information over fiber optic network

Secure communication Quantum teleportation over a fiber optic cable

2025-01-25 By Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Hendrik Härter | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

Researchers have transmitted quantum information over an existing fiber optic network that simultaneously transmits classical data at 400 Gbit/s. With the experiment, the researchers demonstrate how quantum communication can be integrated into existing infrastructures.

Researchers were able to transmit quantum information via quantum teleportation over an existing fiber optic cable.(Image: Prem Kumar) — Researchers were able to transmit quantum information via quantum teleportation over an existing fiber optic cable.
(Image: Prem Kumar)

Researchers at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, have achieved a significant advancement in quantum communication. They succeeded in transmitting quantum information over existing fiber optic networks that are also used for classical data transmission. In an experiment, the researchers sent a pair of entangled photons over a 18.64 miles long fiber optic cable, which was simultaneously carrying a classical signal at 400 Gbit/s.

The entangled states enable a process called quantum teleportation. In this process, the quantum state of one particle is transferred to a distant particle. In quantum teleportation, only the quantum state of a particle is transferred, not the particle itself. There is no transport of matter involved. This allows quantum information to be transmitted over long distances.

When integrating quantum signals into a fiber optic line along with classical signals, several technical aspects must be considered. The sensitive quantum states are disturbed by thermal noise and other factors. By choosing a specific wavelength of 0.051 inches and using filters, disturbances from classical data traffic could be minimized.

Communication networks with quantum

Despite the technically challenging transmission, the research team successfully demonstrated the coexistence of both signal types. This represents a significant step towards large-scale quantum communication networks. The research lays the groundwork for the future development of a so-called quantum internet. This would allow quantum computers to be networked over great distances, thereby increasing scalability and performance. Additionally, quantum teleportation could enable highly secure data transmission in the future, as no physical transfer of data occurs.

The researchers plan to test the technology over greater distances and further develop it under real-world conditions. In the long term, entangled networks for distributed quantum applications could emerge. For electronics developers and engineers, this means that future communication systems could transmit both classical and quantum information over the same infrastructure. However, this requires the development of new technologies and protocols to ensure the integrity of quantum information and minimize interference from classical signals. Advances in detection technology, particularly the improvement of photodetector sensitivity, play a crucial role in this. (heh)

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Date: 08.12.2025

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