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A team of physicists from the University of Edinburgh School of Physics and Astronomy has used mathematical calculations to show that quantum communications across interstellar space should be possible. In his article published in the journal Physical check Dthe group describes their calculations and also the possibility that extraterrestrial beings are trying to communicate with us through this signaling.
In recent years, scientists have been investigating the possibility of using quantum communications as a highly secure form of message transmission. Previous research has shown that it would be almost impossible to intercept these messages without detection. In this new effort, the researchers wondered if similar types of interstellar space communications might be possible. To find out, they used math that describes the motion of X-rays through a medium, such as those that travel between stars. More specifically, they looked at whether their calculations could show the degree of inconsistency that could occur during this trip.
With quantum communications, engineers are confronted with quantum particles that lose some or all of their unique characteristics as they interact with obstructions in their path; in fact, they have been found to be quite delicate. These events are known as decoherence, and engineers working to build quantum networks have been devising ways to overcome the problem. Previous research has shown that the space between the stars is quite clean. But is it clean enough for quantum communications? Mathematics proves that it is so. Space is so clean, in fact, that X-ray photons could travel hundreds of thousands of light-years without being subject to decoherence, and this includes the gravitational interference of astrophysical bodies. They pointed out in their work that optical and microwave bands would work just as well.
The researchers noted that because quantum communication is possible throughout the galaxy, if there are other intelligent beings in the Milky Way, they could already be trying to communicate with us using this technology and we could start looking for them. They also suggest that quantum teleportation through interstellar space should be possible.
Physicists describe the characteristics of photons to protect future quantum computing. More information: Arjun Berera et al, Viability of quantum communication through interestslar distances, Physical check D (2022). DOI: 10.1103 / PhysRevD.105.123033
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Citation: Mathematical calculations show that quantum communication through interstellar space should be possible (2022, July 6) retrieved July 8, 2022
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