Small and innovative experiments at CERN pave the way for new technologies in quantum networks and quantum cryptography.
The goal of this experiment is to allow cern-born optical timing signals (which synchronize the device with ultra-precision for normal use in laboratory accelerators) to optimally transmit through optical fibers along with single photon signals from the source of quantum matching photons.
Scientists recently set up a specialized lab to test how cern-born white rabbit optical timing signals can most effectively be transmitted through optical fibers with intertwined photons.
Similar experiments have been done previously by other research teams around the world, but this is the first time that this technology, originally developed to synchronize accelerator devices, has been tested locally on CERN for this purpose.
Growing interest in quantum networks
Research on quantum networks is growing rapidly all over the world.
Future quantum networks can connect quantum computers and sensors to store all quantum information. It can also facilitate the secure exchange of information and enable applications in a variety of areas.
Unlike classical networks where information is encoded with binary bits (0S and 1S), quantum networks rely on unique properties of qubits, or “Qubits” such as superposition (where Qubits may exist simultaneously in multiple states) or entanglement (where the state of one Qubit affects states that do not affect another).
These properties allow quantum networks to perform tasks that are impossible or inefficient in classical networks. They can also be used to test basic physics concepts such as bell inequality and space-time structure.
Why is the technology of white rabbits unique?
“White Rabbit Timing Technology is a natural candidate for quantum communication application because it provides sub-nanosecond accuracy and picosecond accuracy for synchronized purposes, making it suitable for large-scale distributed systems and quantum networks.”
Quantum key distributions require the same timing accuracy. This is a protocol that generates a secure encryption key for quantum encryption.
“High timing accuracy is important to demonstrate the distribution of entangled photon pairs that form the basis of entanglement-based quantum key distributions,” Annik said.
“Unlike other existing time-synchronization technologies, White Rabbit is open source and based on standards.”
Synchronization of future quantum networks
In the current experiment, the classic timing signal of a white rabbit is combined with a quantum signal from the source of intertwined photon pairs supplied to the CERN by a Qunnect.
This setup also utilizes a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector that was provided by a single quantum.
Amanda Dies Fernandez, QTI partnership coordinator, concluded: “Our tests aim to contribute to a global effort on quantum network synchronization, establishing white rabbits as the standard technology for quantum communication, even in distribution and complex settings.”
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