Drones could help create a quantum internet
The quantum internet may be coming to you via drone.
Scientists have now used drones to transmit particles of light, or photons, that share the
quantum linkage called entanglement. The photons were sent to two locations a kilometer apart,
researchers report in a study to appear.
Entangled quantum particles can retain their interconnected properties even when
separated by long distances. Such counterintuitive behavior can be harnessed to allow new types
of communication.
Quantum networks made with fiber-optic cables are already beginning to be used. And a
quantum satellite can transmit photons across China. Drones could serve as another technology
for such networks, with the advantages of being easily movable as well as relatively quick and
cheap to deploy.
In the future, fleets of drones could work together to send entangled particles to recipients
in a variety of locations.