Teleportation: Potentially possible in the quantum physics realm to enable faster data transmission

• Author:
• Author name

  Quantumrun Foresight
• February 12, 2022

Insight summary

Quantum teleportation, currently a reality only for subatomic particles, holds the promise of a shift in the way we understand and use technology. This phenomenon could enable instant, secure data transmission, impacting diverse areas from health to banking and offering benefits to individuals, companies, and governments. However, its broader implications could trigger significant changes across society, such as further research into quantum physics, improved security for digital data transmission, and shifts in labor markets.

Quantum teleportation context

Teleportation of physical objects only exists in science fiction (for now). However, researchers have found that teleportation is possible in the subatomic world of quantum mechanics. In the quantum world, teleportation refers to the transportation of quantum information through quantum entanglement. 

In quantum computing, quantum teleportation enables the transmission of information. A traditional computer consists of billions of transistors, called bits, while quantum computers encode information in quantum bits or qubits. A bit has a single binary value of either “0” or “1,” but qubits can be both “0” and “1” at the same time. 

The process of quantum teleportation is the disembodied transfer of quantum states from one location to another at up to the speed of light. In 2020, researchers from the US achieved outstanding results with a long-distance teleportation of qubits made of photons. They demonstrated the teleportation of qubits over a 44km fiber-optic network, using single-photon detectors and off-the-shelf equipment. For now, scientists have only teleported qubits, as they are the simplest possible piece of quantum information that allows a particle to be in two states at once. 

Disruptive Impact

Teleportation of quantum information could alter the way we interact with technology on a day-to-day basis. Imagine being able to send and receive data instantly and securely. For example, it could mean that a doctor in New York could get real-time information about a patient in Los Angeles, potentially aiding in immediate diagnoses and treatment plans. Even simple tasks such as shopping or banking could be streamlined with instant, safe data transfer, greatly enhancing user experiences.

Companies, too, stand to benefit immensely from this shift. Take the example of logistics and supply chain management - real-time tracking of goods could reach a level of accuracy never seen before. Businesses could make just-in-time inventory a reality, saving significant amounts of money on storage and loss. Additionally, the enhanced security from quantum teleportation could protect sensitive corporate information from cyber-attacks, providing a new level of digital safety.

Governments can leverage quantum teleportation to provide better public services. For instance, emergency response units could receive critical information instantly, potentially saving more lives. Infrastructure management could also improve, as real-time data can aid in proactive maintenance, reducing costs and improving public safety. On a global scale, secure diplomatic communications could foster better international relations, reducing the risks associated with traditional forms of communication. 

Implications of quantum teleportation

Wider implications of quantum teleportation may include: 

• Further research into quantum physics involving spin states of all matter, not just photons, to find more useful capabilities of electrons in qubit semiconductors.
• Improved encryption algorithms and increase the security of digital data transmission.
• An international quantum network that allows the fast transmission of quantum information across any distance.
• Secure communication channels between Earth and future outposts on the moon and Mars.
• Contributing to more efficient economies, potentially boosting growth and lowering operational costs across industries.
• Governments facing challenges in surveillance and law enforcement, requiring the creation of new policy frameworks and regulations to maintain national security.
• Changes in labor markets, with an increased demand for quantum physicists and technicians.

Questions to consider

• What other societal implications can quantum teleportation have once it’s fully realized? 
• Should governments regulate quantum information transmission due to its highly secure and unbreakable nature?
• How can quantum teleportation contribute to creating innovative technologies in other industries?