To counter this concern, some have proposed quantum cryptography, by which particles use quantum entanglement to make sure that information passes between them in a completely secure manner. Though there has been some success in transmitting this information long distances (see Quantum Encryption Through Space), these systems still have not proven effective in transmitting the encryption through fiber optic cable systems over distances longer than a few kilometers.
A new form of quantum encryption experiment uses multiple clouds of rhubidium atoms which become sort of entangled chain and can be used to transmit the entanglement the full distance required for the encryption. According to the experimenters, this system would require a cloud about every 10 kilometers, but in theory should be able to be used for pretty much any distance required.
Though this particular experiment is pretty much a "proof of principle" experiment, it comes at a time when technology companies are looking to exploit quantum encryption in a realm of growing information insecurity. This technology is on the brink of going commercial on a large scale and every movement in that direction is worthy of note.
Related Articles:
- Nature - Quantum cryptography can go the distance
- EE Times - Researchers create quantum repeater
- Nature - Quantum communication: repeat performance (editor's summary)
- Nature - Experimental demonstration of a BDCZ quantum repeater node (Nature subscription or payment required for full paper access)
- What Is a Quantum Computer?
- Building a Faster Qubit
- Still More on Quantum Computers
- Quantum Encryption Through Space
Comments
Errors:
“Security in computer systems is based upon long numbers where are multiples of two primes”
Security in computer system is based upon the assumption that given an integer which is the product of two primes, it is computationally infeasible to determine these primes.
“particles use quantum entanglement to make sure that information passes between them in a completely secure manner”
The information that passes through them is not secure. However, we may detect an eavesdropper. The technique is used to share a key, not to encrypt information.