中国科学技术大学最新Nature论文

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advancements in quantum networking, particularly focusing on the development of quantum repeaters that enable long-distance, reliable quantum entanglement distribution, which is essential for scalable quantum networks [3][5]. Group 1: Quantum Networking and Challenges - Quantum networks aim to achieve secure and efficient information transmission, high-resolution sensing, and exponential increases in information processing speed [3][5]. - A significant challenge in establishing long-distance quantum networks is the exponential loss of photons in optical fibers, which hinders the efficient distribution of entanglement [3][5]. Group 2: Quantum Repeaters and Technological Advances - Quantum repeaters combine entanglement swapping, entanglement purification, and quantum storage technologies to address the issues of fiber loss and decoherence [5][6]. - The recent research achieved entanglement between memory nodes over a distance of 10 kilometers, with the entanglement duration exceeding the average time required to establish it, marking a critical milestone [5][6]. Group 3: Key Innovations - The breakthrough was made possible through three technological advancements: long-lived trapped ion storage, efficient telecom-band interfaces for quantum information transfer, and high-visibility single-photon entanglement protocols [6]. - These innovations significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of establishing quantum entanglement [6]. Group 4: Practical Applications and Future Implications - The research team demonstrated a principle of device-independent quantum key distribution over a distance of 10 kilometers, achieving a positive key rate at an asymptotic limit of 101 kilometers, which is a two orders of magnitude improvement over previous studies [7]. - This research provides a crucial building block for quantum repeaters and represents a significant step towards the development of scalable quantum networks, akin to paving a longer "main road" for the future "quantum internet" [7].