Inside a Quantum Communication Lab
In today's world, where information security is of utmost importance, quantum communication technology has emerged as a focal point in the global technological race due to its unbreakable encryption characteristics. China, with its ancient yet modern prowess, has achieved remarkable success in the field of quantum communication, leading the way towards a new era of secure transmission for humanity.
Initial Exploration: The Dawn of Quantum Communication
The story began in the 1990s when the concept of quantum communication was first proposed. Chinese scientists embarked on the exploration of this field. In 2003, Pan Jianwei's team at the University of Science and Technology of China made a significant breakthrough in quantum cryptography theory by proposing the decoy-state quantum key distribution theory, which solved the problem of quantum communication's secure rate decreasing with distance.
Breakthroughs and Applications: From Lab to Real World
Fast forward to 2016, China successfully launched the world's first quantum science experimental satellite, "Mozi," and in 2017, completed the world's first quantum secure communication line, the "Beijing-Shanghai line." These two major achievements marked the transition of China's quantum communication research from theoretical studies to practical applications.
Achievements and Leadership: Building the World's First Space-Ground Quantum Communication Network
In 2021, the University of Science and Technology of China announced that Chinese research teams had successfully achieved space-ground quantum key distribution over a distance of 4,600 kilometers, building the world's first integrated space-ground quantum communication network. This network not only covers multiple provinces and cities in China but also connects to more than 150 users across various industries such as finance, electricity, and government affairs, laying the scientific and technological foundation for a global quantum secure communication network in the future.
Innovation and Future: Advancing Quantum Communication Technology
China's quantum communication technology did not stop there. In 2023, the team from the Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences pioneered a new open architecture for quantum key distribution using optical frequency comb technology, successfully achieving 615 kilometers of fiber optic quantum communication. This innovation not only ensures the security of communication but also significantly reduces the cost of system construction, laying the foundation for the construction of a multi-node wide-area quantum network in China.