A collaborative effort between China and South Africa has resulted in the longest quantum communication link in the world. Utilizing the Jinan-1 microsatellite, the team achieved successful transmission of images over 12,900 kilometers. Ambitious future plans aim to develop a global quantum network with advanced capabilities.
In a significant advancement for quantum communication, a collaborative effort between Chinese and South African researchers has successfully established the longest quantum communication link in the world. This achievement was made possible through the use of an economical microsatellite and portable ground stations, with details published in a recent article in the prestigious journal Nature.
Utilizing China’s Jinan-1 quantum microsatellite, the team managed to connect Stellenbosch University in South Africa to a base in Beijing, which is operated by researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). This technological breakthrough involved the successful transmission of two images over an impressive distance of 12,900 kilometers, one showcasing China’s Great Wall and the other displaying the Stellenbosch campus.
The researchers emphasized the development of a quantum microsatellite capable of achieving space-to-ground quantum key distribution via portable ground stations, marking a significant advancement in the field of quantum communication technology. This pioneering work positions them at the forefront of innovations in this scientific arena.
Looking ahead, the research team has ambitious plans to expand this project by launching multiple microsatellites and establishing a comprehensive network of optical ground stations. This effort aims to create a practical quantum constellation that could revolutionize communication, computing, and sensing capabilities on a global scale.
The establishment of the longest quantum communication link by a joint Chinese-South African team represents a major milestone in quantum technology. Through the use of a microsatellite and portable ground stations, the team successfully demonstrated long-distance image transmission. Their plans for future expansion could potentially lead to a transformative global quantum network, enhancing communication and computational technologies worldwide.
Original Source: www.newsbytesapp.com
