Researchers have set a new record in the transfer of information via superdense coding, a process by which the properties of particles like photons, protons and electrons are used to store as much information as possible.
Researchers transferred 1.67 bits per qubit, or quantum bit, over a fiber optic cable, edging out the previous record of 1.63 per qubit.
Whereas computers transmit information in the form of bits (generally represented by either a 1 or a 0), qubits can employ two states simultaneously and therefore represent more information than a traditional bit.
This experiment demonstrates how quantum communication techniques can be integrated with conventional networking technology.
It’s part of the groundwork needed to build future quantum networks that can be used for computing and sensing applications.