▾Quantum technologies are relentlessly approaching and promise to revolutionize many areas. Quantum internet and quantum compasses are within our reach. A future without hackers and GPS may become a reality sooner than we think. However, scientists still face numerous obstacles, overcoming which may not be straightforward.
Quantum physics opens doors to a world of unprecedented possibilities, and scientists are racing to find its practical applications. It seems that the areas where quantum technologies will soon enter history will be the internet and possibly navigation.
Quantum internet: The unhackable network of the future?
Imagine an internet that is practically unhackable and opens doors to unprecedented computational power. This is the promise of the concept of quantum internet, which is slowly but surely becoming a reality.
Scientists from Leibniz University in Hanover conducted an experiment that could signify a breakthrough in connecting quantum technologies with existing internet infrastructure. They managed to send quantum information and classic data in the form of ones and zeros through a single optical fiber.
The key to success is the use of a special technique that allows shifting the phase of signals within the optical fiber. As a result, both quantum and classical data exist on the same frequency channel without interfering with each other.
Although this experiment is a significant step forward, the quantum internet still faces challenges. For instance, scientists are trying to extend the distance over which quantum information can be transferred without loss and are exploring ways to manage traffic in existing networks.
Quantum compasses: Goodbye GPS?
Navigation without GPS? This could also soon become a reality thanks to quantum compasses. These devices use quantum phenomena to determine position and promise independence from satellites.
Researchers from Sandia National Laboratory have made significant progress in miniaturizing the laser system essential for the functioning of quantum compasses. Specifically, they managed to shrink a system the size of a refrigerator into a miniature chip.
Quantum compasses operate on the principle of atomic interferometry. This utilizes the wave properties of atoms to measure acceleration, rotation, and angular velocity. These quantities then allow for determining the position without the need for satellite communication.
Although miniature quantum compasses are not yet ready for mass production, scientists are not giving up. They are working on miniaturizing other components and integrating them into a single chip. In the future, quantum compasses could find applications in areas where GPS is unavailable, such as densely built cities or even underwater.
Edge computing: What it is and how it changes the future of the internet
Do you know edge computing? It is a method of data processing that shifts computing power closer to the data source. This significantly reduces latency and enables faster real-time decision-making. This technology is becoming key for IoT, autonomous vehicles, or smart cities and is gradually changing the internet as we know it. What does edge computing mean and how will it impact our future?
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Digital identity is becoming an integral part of modern society. What does it reveal about us? How does it work today, and what might it look like in the future? From blockchain to virtual IDs – let's look at the technologies changing the way we verify ourselves and protect our privacy in the world.
How the internet shapes interpersonal relationships: from online dating to digital friendships
The internet has changed how we find love and friends. From Tinder to Instagram, it connects people through screens but also brings challenges and risks, including superficial relationships or fake profiles. Let's explore together how the online world is changing our relationships, what it gives us and what it takes away, and take a look at what the future holds with virtual reality.
why data is more valuable than gold: how companies profit from your personal information
Why is data more valuable than gold? Every click and like is a trace that companies like Google or Meta mine and profit from. Learn how the internet economy uses your data for ads, personalization, and even manipulation.
Digital nomads: How technology is changing the job market and the way we travel
Digital nomadism is no longer the preserve of adventurers, but a phenomenon that is changing the job market and tourism industry. How has technology enabled working from anywhere in the world? What does it bring to companies and employees? And what challenges and downsides does this lifestyle carry?
What can quadruped robots do – and where will they find their place?
Quadruped robots – the four-legged helpers of the future – are no longer just sci-fi. They oversee construction sites, can map hazardous environments, and may one day even bring you coffee. With progress, however, come new questions: how much can we trust these machines? And where will they find their place – from the household to demanding terrains? Let's explore what robots like the Kawasaki CORLEO can do today.