Programme details

Quantum physics saw the light at the beginning of the twentieth century, in an effort to describe the behaviour of atoms and elementary particles. Today, we know that quantum physics lies at the foundation of many technologies on the cutting edge, such as semi-conductors and consequently computers, lasers and many more.

IST-QuComm

The Institute of Experimental Physics at Vienna University. Researchers from all corners of Europe meet regularly to discuss their common passion: quantum physics.
This network of European researchers contributes to a common project called IST Qucomm, referring to Long Distance Photonic Quantum Communication. The project particularly deals with a fascinating property of quantum physics: quantum teleportation. It takes another concept, called intrication, to understand quantum teleportation. Intrication means that two systems become identical when they are measured – the two particles acquire the same properties – whereas before the measurement, neither of these particles was in a particular state.

Quantum Teleportation

The very first step in quantum teleportation therefore consists of producing intricated light particles.
At this time, we can truly speak of teleportation. This, of course, is not the teleportation of a living being like on "Star Trek". Scientists have managed to teleport the quantum state of intricated photons. This includes their polarisation, their magnetic fields, their movements. In other words the information contained in these light particles.

Teleportation Through Quantum Channel

What is new here is not the teleportation in itself – that was accomplished for the first time in 1998 – but the conditions of the experiment. It is being done outside a laboratory over record distances. Researchers have in fact managed to teleport photons from one bank of the Danube to the other.
The teleportation centre is connected, with an optic fibre that we call "quantum channel", to the other bank of the Danube 600 m away. That's where the receptor is located, this is where the quantum states of these light particles are received. But, to be able to measure the correct value of the photon also a normal channel is needed, in this case a microwave connection.

Teleportation in the Atmosphere

Scientists are trying to increase the distance of teleportation, but directly in the atmosphere rather than through optic fibres. The scientists are using telescopes pointed at each other. One advantage of the free space links is that there are situations when it is not possible to put optical fibres.

Quantum Computers

These quantum properties pay a major role in tomorrow's computer communications. Intrication also provides an optimal response for data security.
The main objective for the future is to develop quantum computers. Two quantum computers could dialogue by means of teleportation. A quantum computer is designed so that the central unit is composed of atoms; in other words, this is a milieu where quantum laws apply perfectly. The output of a quantum computer will therefore be a quantum state. Teleportation would be the perfect means of using this as input in another quantum computer.

Conclusion

The success of these many experiments shows the effectiveness of research in a network. For this reason, these scientists' general project has just won one of the two Descartes 2004 prizes – a European prize awarded not to a team of researchers but to several teams of researchers. Like the Nobel prize, this distinction recognizes significant discoveries in the field of sciences.