The quantum satellite is a cornerstone towards the practical quantum lattice of free space and overcomes the loss of photons at great distances.
The objective of the 'quantum satellites' is to experiment with quantum communication, based on changes in the state of subatomic particles such as photons, which in practice could have two main uses: a data transmission system faster than the current ones and impossible to intercept (since you cannot intercept or spy quantum particles).
In this sense, Chinese engineers of the Nanjing University In China, they are developing a quantum communications network in the air with drones as nodes, capable of sending and receiving entangled photons in mid-flight for 40 minutes at an altitude of 100 meters, weighing 35 kg. A low-cost mobile alternative to a fiber-based network, 'quantum network' made up of drones, rather than artificial satellites.
Quantum entanglement is one of the most puzzling phenomena in quantum mechanics: When two particles, such as atoms, photons, or electrons, become entangled, they experience an inexplicable bond that remains even if the particles are on opposite sides of the universe.
A key problem with the development of terrestrial quantum networks is the fragility of entanglement; By sending photons through existing fiber optic networks, this limits transmission distance and data rates. With this in mind, in recent years, scientists have increasingly investigated quantum networks related to photons transmitted in the open air.
However, there are still challenges that include covering all locations in real time and building multiple nodes, which can be complemented by the diversity of modern drones.
Fountain: IEEE Spectrum
Study publication: “Drone-based all-weather entanglement distribution”.
Via UNAM Globalweb
No Comment