Quantum Code Sent on Common Fibre

Quantum Code Sent on Common Fibre

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The “uncrackable codes” made by exploiting the branch of physics called quantum mechanics have been sent down kilometres of standard broadband fibre. This “quantum key distribution” has until now needed a dedicated fibre separate from that used to carry data. The technique, reported in Physical Review X, shows how to unpick normal data streams from the much fainter, more delicate quantum signal.

It may see the current best encryption used in many businesses and even homes. The quantum key distribution or QKD idea is based on the sharing of a key between two parties – a small string of data that can be used as the basis for encoding much larger amounts.