Abstract

Quantum mechanics allows a number of communications protocols that would not be possible classically, including provably-secure messages (quantum cryptography), increased channel capacity, and the ability to transmit an unknown quantum state (quantum teleportation). Practical systems for quantum cryptography have now been demonstrated by a number of groups. I will begin by reviewing the most commonly-used methods for quantum cryptography, including the advantages and disadvantages of each in practical applications. The maximum range of current quantum cryptography systems is limited by the fact that optical amplifiers would destroy the quantum coherence of single photons and cannot be used in these kinds of systems. One potential solution to this problem is the transmission of single photons in free space, which would allow a global system for quantum cryptography based on a network of satellites and ground stations. Free-space quantum cryptography systems of that kind have now been demonstrated over relatively short distances. The range of quantum cryptography systems in optical fibers can also be extended using quantum repeaters that make use of entanglement swapping, entanglement purification, and quantum teleportation. These same techniques could also be used to implement a “quantum Internet” for the transmission of qubits from one quantum computer to another. The practical challenges that will have to be met in order to implement quantum repeaters and quantum teleportation over large distances will be discussed.

© 2001 Optical Society of America