Quantum
physics analyzes a quantum system (QS) that has the ability to exist in a
superposition of different states, simultaneously. Lately, scientists have
developed computers, which are based on quantum mechanical principles, instead
of classical physics.
Scientists
and physicists from the Max Planck Institute created a photon pair from the
energy of an electron via light source. The first photon will be used for
quantum information transmission, whereas the other will be observed, as it exhibits
the precise state of its twin, at any time. This phenomenon is known as
entanglement.
Quantum
Communication at a Higher Level
Entanglement
is one of the most significant phenomena of quantum mechanics. Suppose that two
particles exist and placed into a state where there is a strong correlation
(i.e., entanglement).
Determining
one particle affects the state of the other. This correlation exists, even if
there is a great space between them. Now, the vital part is the ability for researchers
to gather data about the state of one by calculating the state of the second.
When another particle comes into play, interrelating with the second of the
entangled two, the change is replicated on the former as well. This generates a
mirror-effect of the twin, basically causing teleportation.
Quantum
particles shift their states the moment they are detected. So, it is very hard
to have a clear view of the data that is transmitted by a photon. The answer is
the pair of photons which gives us the ability to use the first photon as a
messenger of its twin.
Information
Inside the Quantum World
In future,
researchers think that quantum computers will be the key to secure information technology. One example that shows proof of the significance of quantum
security is when a quantum form of cryptography was studied, and the results showed
that it is unbreakable, even for quantum systems.
The finding,
by the researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, was a
unique source that created the pairs of photons. This source, is known as a
scanning tunneling microscope (STM).
The image
shows us that when an electron (the wave) hits a barrier, the wave doesn’t
abruptly end, but tapers off very quickly – exponentially. This is a quantum
mechanical effect that occurs when electrons move through a barrier due to
their wave-like properties. Tunneling depends on the thickness of the barrier;
the wave does not get past a thick barrier. (Source: Public Domain)
Earlier study
has used this microscope to study the surfaces of conducting or semiconducting substances.
The device is based on an effect known as quantum tunneling. Theories in
quantum mechanics state that electrons have both wave and particle-like
properties. Tunneling is an effect of this wavelike nature, a quantum
mechanical effect.
References
1.
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, 2018. [Online] Available at:
https://www.nanoscience.com/techniques/scanning-tunneling-microscopy/
2. Max
Planck Society, 2019: Quantum communication: making two from one. [Online]
Available at: https://phys.org/news/2019-05-quantum.html
3. Calvin
F. Quate, 2019. Scanning tunneling microscope. [Online] Available at:
https://www.britannica.com/technology/scanning-tunneling-microscope
4. Chad
Orzel, 2018. How Do You Create Quantum Entanglement? [Online] Available at:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/chadorzel/2017/02/28/how-do-you-create-quantum-entanglement/#10b0bd861732
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