Beam me up! Teleportation just came one step closer
Ferry Online Travel News 20/05/2010
Researchers have achieved quantum teleportation over ten miles of space.
Scientists working on technology analogous to the famed Star Trek teleporter have set a new record by teleporting information across ten miles of open space. This is not the first time the technique has enjoyed success but the latest experiment set a new record for distance.
Unlike in Star Trek teleportation, however, no real matter is actually moved in these experiments. Scientists use a process known as ‘quantum entanglement’. Two particles that are smaller than atoms – ions or photons – are ‘entangled’ so that even when they are separated, manipulating one of the particles produces a corresponding effect in the other.
In very simple terms, it’s like ‘entangling’ two candles so that when you blow out one candle, the other candle also goes out, even if it’s in a different room. In previous experiments, researchers could only produce the effect over distances of a few metres. Readers will no doubt be overjoyed to hear that scientists were able to extend the effect to several miles by using both spatial and polarization modes to maximally entangle two photons.
But hold on to your applause and celebrations for now. The first real application of this new technology will be to develop incredibly high levels of data encryption. Unfortunately, the photons used in the latest experiment cannot be manipulated as reliably as ions, limiting the technique’s effectiveness for now.
← Ferry passengers sailing pretty as ash brings more air chaos | Index | Study shows women are better than men at giving directions →