量子计算机理论互联距离达两千公里 构建全球量子互联网的技术首次“触手可及”

Core Insights - The University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering team has significantly advanced quantum communication, theoretically extending the connection distance between quantum computers to 2000 kilometers, enabling communication between previously isolated devices [1][2] - This breakthrough is crucial for the development of a global-scale quantum internet, marking a significant step towards practical implementation [1] Group 1: Quantum Communication Breakthrough - The previous maximum distance for quantum computers to communicate via fiber optics was only a few kilometers, limiting connectivity between devices located in different areas of Chicago [1] - The new research has improved the coherence time of single erbium atoms from 0.1 milliseconds to over 10 milliseconds, with some experimental conditions achieving up to 24 milliseconds, theoretically supporting quantum connections up to 4000 kilometers [1] Group 2: Manufacturing Process Innovation - The breakthrough is attributed to an innovative manufacturing process rather than new materials, utilizing a technique called molecular beam epitaxy, which allows for precise layer-by-layer construction of crystal structures [2] - This method contrasts with traditional techniques that involve high-temperature melting and slow cooling, paving the way for scalable production of interconnected quantum bits [2]