China creates the world`s first quantum network of thousands of kilometers.

The integrated quantum network spans 4,600 kilometers.

Chinese scientists have unveiled the first integrated quantum communication network that is made of 700 optical fibers, spanning 2,000 kilometers between Beijing and Shanghai, and has two links with the Micius quantum satellite, connecting Xinglong and Nanshan, 2,600 apart. kilometres.

Details on the 4,600-kilometer-long quantum lattice were published in the journal Nature. Thus, four quantum metropolitan area networks (QMAN) are distinguished, which include Beijing, Jinan, Hefei and Shanghai, while Xinglong, in addition to being connected to the quantum satellite, is also connected to the network. of quantum metropolitan area of ??Beijing using fiber optics.

Unlike conventional encryption, quantum communication is viewed as impossible to hack, intercept, or intervene and is therefore perceived as the future of secure transfer of confidential information.

Quantum communication is based on the distribution of quantum keys, which, in turn, consists of the formation of a chain of zeros and ones through the quantum states of the particles, for example, photons. Any intervention and listening between the sender and the receiver will change this string or key and it will be noticed immediately.

In 2016, China launched the world`s first quantum satellite, called Micius, and achieved quantum key distribution with two ground stations at Xinglong and Nanshan, which are 2,600 kilometers apart. In 2017, a fiber optic network of more than 2,000 kilometers in length for the distribution of quantum keys between Beijing and Shanghai was completed.

The terrestrial fiber network and satellite connections were integrated to serve more than 150 industrial users across China, including state and local banks, municipal power grids and government websites. In the past two years, Chinese specialists have tested and improved the performance of different parts of the integrated network.

Now the team plans to expand the network in China and with its international partners Austria, Italy, Russia and Canada, and develop cost-effective quantum satellites with ground-based receivers, as well as medium and high-Earth orbit satellites to achieve unprecedented quantum communication.

Publication Date: 2021-01-11

Source: actualidad.rt.com