A Chinese-South African team achieved a breakthrough in quantum communications by successfully using a quantum microsatellite to transmit encrypted images over 12,900 kilometers. The project lays the groundwork for a future global quantum network, with expectations of revolutionary communication capabilities.
Recent research by a team from China and South Africa has led to notable advancements in quantum communication, specifically through the use of a quantum microsatellite. This development sets a significant precedent for establishing a global network of quantum communications. The researchers successfully transmitted two images—one of the Great Wall of China and another from the Stellenbosch campus—across a distance of 12,900 kilometers (approximately 8,000 miles), utilizing a shared encryption key.
The successful transmission of quantum data over long distances by the Chinese-South African research team signifies a critical step towards the establishment of a global quantum network. This innovation not only enhances communication security but also paves the way for future endeavors involving numerous microsatellites and optical ground stations, indicating a promising horizon for revolutionary advancements in quantum technology.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
