Quantum data beamed alongside 'classical data' in the same fiber-optic connection for the 1st time

Scientists have successfully transmitted quantum data and conventional data through a single optical fiber for the first time.

The research demonstrates that quantum data in the form of entangled photons and conventional internet data sent as laser pulses can coexist in the same fiber-optic cable.

Most research into building a quantum internet has focused on the need for separate infrastructure or dedicated channels for quantum data to avoid interference from "classical" data. But this new "hybrid" network could pave the way for more efficient implementation of quantum communications by enabling quantum and conventional data to share the same infrastructure. The researchers revealed their findings in a study published July 26 in the journal Science Advances.

Fiber-optic cables are composed of thin strands of glass or plastic fibers that carry data as infrared light pulses. These fibers transmit data through different color channels, with each corresponding to a specific wavelength of light.

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Researchers have previously shown that quantum data can be transmitted through a standard fiber-optic cable, but this new experiment marks the first time that both quantum and conventional data have been transmitted together in the same color channel.

Creating hybrid networks is challenging because quantum data is often transmitted through fiber-optic cables using entangled photons.