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MORE DEVELOPMENTS IN

QUANTUM COMPUTING

New Technique for Test and Measurement of and secure communication processes. Its
Performance of Optical Fibre Interconnects for performance is dependent upon very low-loss
Quantum Communication Networks connectivity between optical interconnecting
components that make up the network
New Technique for Test and Measurement of
hardware.
Performance of Optical Fibre Interconnects for
Quantum Communication Networks. Maximum network efficiencies in quantum
networks is essential in order to ensure the
Scientists at the National Physical Laboratory
optical transmission of entangled photons
have pioneered the development of a new
in a quantum internet. Connectors used in
technique to test and measure the performance
a quantum network must have excellent
of next-generation optical fibre interconnects for
coupling efficiencies to minimise link losses.
quantum communication networks.
Fibre that does not meet the necessary
The Optical Fibre Metrology Team devised an efficiency levels will degrade transmission and
approach to measure a key parameter for impede performance.
optical fibre performance known as Mode Field
Quantum networks will transform how we send
Diameter (MFD) on commercial quantum-grade
and receive all types of data. The quantum
connectors intended for use in a quantum
internet is still several years away from
internet. The new measurement technique
becoming a mainstream technology, but it has
incorporates traceable verification into high
the potential to reshape how we live and work:
performance quantum-grade interconnects in
how we do business and how we approach
order to ensure the most efficient transmission
issues of national strategic importance such
possible of entangled photons over fibre networks.
as defence and security”.
A quantum internet is seen as being an enabler
NPL, in collaboration with government and
for applications such as ultra-secure, highly
industry partners, including BSI, the Department
encrypted communications for distributed
for Science Innovation and Technology, UK
quantum computing in hyperscale data centres,
Quantum, the National Cyber Security Centre and
advanced high-performance computing, and
the National Quantum Computing Centre, has
5G mobile environments such as smart cities or
also helped to launch the UK Quantum Standards
advanced automated manufacturing sites that
Network Pilot to support existing global standards
use fibre.
for quantum.
Robert Ferguson, Higher Scientist at NPL,
[ Reference: ‘ NPL Breakthrough opens the Way
elaborates:
to measure Performance of Next-gen Quantum
“ A photonic-based quantum internet will need Communications Networks’, What’s New in
high quality and efficient interconnects for Electronics, 14th. December 2023 ]
long-haul operation of quantum computing
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