Quantum communication: world pacemaker

Integrated Connection

Thanks to joint efforts of Chinese scientists, the industrialization of quantum communication(QC) has developed rapidly.

The building of large-scale QC metropolitan area networks (MAN) has been accomplished in several cities, including Wuhu, Jinan, Hefei, Hangzhou, and Wuhan. A number of local government offices and finance institutions have applied quantum encryption communication to achieve secrecy in such transmissions as voice calls, faxes, and file transfers. The Beijing-Shanghai Link will join with other MAN to build a macrozone fiber quantum communication network, establishing a platform for large-scale QC technical identification and applied research as well as application demonstration.

A quantum satellite at the Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Some large commercial banks and telecommunications enterprises not only participate in QC industrial projects, but also enjoy the security it provides. For instance, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China not only successfully applies QC technology to ensure encrypted transmission of archival information between its branches in Beijing, but also uses it to back up business data in its Shanghai data center and send it to Beijing.

The enormous potential of quantum communication technology is attracting a lot of investors, and became one of the most profitable industries in 2016. As the contractor of Beijing-Shanghai Link, IDQ-QTEC Quantum Technology Co., Ltd. went public in June 2016, becoming the first quantum communication stock on China’s capital market.

The quantum satellite Micius will achieve high-velocity satellite-to-ground quantum key distribution, quantum entanglement and distribution, as well as space-to-ground quantum teleportation. During its in-orbit operation over the next two years, Micius will coordinate with five ground stations to carry out an experimental study of space-ground remote quantum communication. Micius (468-376 BC), a famous philosopher, military strategist and educator in ancient China, demonstrated some highly original views on optics and forces, one of which is said to have been a precursor to Newton’s Law of Inertia. “We want to use his name to remind people that Chinese people can do well in science, in the past, today and in the future,” said Pan.

In the future, dozens of quantum satellites and ground communication lines will form a QC network. Macrozone quantum security communication will later cover the entire country and even go global.

“In the future, perhaps everyone’s cellphone will have a quantum encryption chip. This will allay any worries about hackers when carrying out sensitive transactions like bank transfers and operating electronic accounts,” Pan said.