'Quantum internet' revolution coming soon: How this 'unhackable' network works

A significant step toward a secure and revolutionary communication network has been taken with the launch of the Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub in the UK.

A major step towards a secure and revolutionary communication network has been taken with the launch of the Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub in the UK.

This groundbreaking research initiative will see scientists work to develop a "near-unhackable" quantum internet - a vast network that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to transmit information.

Heriot-Watt University has been chosen to lead the IQN Hub as part of the UK government's plan to invest £160 million in quantum technologies.

This follows the recent announcement of four other quantum hubs, which will focus on areas such as quantum sensing and quantum biomedical technologies.

Together, these hubs will form a network of expertise and innovation, helping to drive forward the development of quantum technologies in the UK.

Here's a closer look at how a quantum internet works and the potential benefits it could bring.

Understanding bits, qubits, and entanglement

Traditional internet uses bits, which can either be a 0 or a 1. Quantum networks, on the other hand, use qubits, which can exist as 0, 1, or both at once. Imagine a coin that is both heads and tails until you look at it - this is essentially what a qubit is like.

This unique state, known as superposition, allows for another key phenomenon in quantum mechanics called entanglement. Entangled qubits are linked together and share an outcome regardless of the distance between them.

To illustrate entanglement, imagine two coins that are linked. If you flip one coin and it lands on heads, you will instantly know that the other coin is tails, without even looking at it. This instantaneous connection is what makes quantum networks virtually unhackable.

Quantum internet: A solution to cybercrime and more

In an era where cybercrime is estimated to cost the UK £27 billion annually, a quantum internet promises unprecedented levels of security.

By using qubits and entanglement, quantum networks can create a communication system that is theoretically impossible to intercept. Any attempt to measure or intercept a qubit would disrupt its state, alerting the sender and receiver of a potential breach.

Imagine trying to eavesdrop on a conversation between two people who are using a quantum network to communicate. As soon as you try to listen in, the qubits would be disrupted and both parties would know that someone was trying to intercept their communication.

This inherent security makes quantum networks a promising solution for protecting sensitive data and communications, which could have a major impact on sectors such as finance, government, and defense.

Beyond enhanced security, a quantum internet could also revolutionize fields such as healthcare, banking, and scientific research.

For example, a quantum network could be used to connect medical devices in hospitals, enabling real-time monitoring of patients' vital signs and allowing doctors to respond quickly to any changes in their condition.

In the banking sector, a quantum network could be used to create a secure system for transferring funds and processing transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and cybercrime.

Scientists could also use a quantum network to share data and collaborate on research projects more efficiently, leading to faster and more groundbreaking discoveries.

Quantum technology: A supercharged version of existing systems

Professor Gerald Buller, who will lead the IQN Hub at Heriot-Watt, describes quantum technology as a "supercharged" version of today's technology.

"It allows us to solve problems and secure data in ways that are unimaginable with conventional technology. This could lead to breakthroughs in everything from pharmaceutical research to exciting new materials development," he said.

The primary focus of the IQN Hub will be on creating large-scale quantum networks that are capable of distributing quantum entanglement over long distances.

This will involve developing new technologies for generating, manipulating, and detecting qubits, as well as protocols for establishing and maintaining quantum connections between different nodes in the network.

Heriot-Watt's significant role in quantum research hubs

In addition to leading the IQN Hub, Heriot-Watt University is also playing a significant role in three of the four other newly announced quantum hubs.

These hubs will focus on the following areas:

Quantum-enabled position, navigation and timing (PNT) technologies, which could revolutionize sectors such as transport, logistics, and surveying.

Quantum biomedical sensing technologies, which aim to develop new quantum sensors for use in medical imaging, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

Quantum sensing, imaging, and timing (SIT) technologies, which will explore applications of quantum sensors in areas such as materials science, environmental monitoring, and defense.

The involvement of Heriot-Watt University in these diverse quantum research hubs highlights the institution's strength and expertise in this field.

The university's researchers are working at the forefront of quantum technology development, and their contributions to these hubs will help to accelerate the advancement and application of these technologies in the UK and beyond.

Quantum hubs: A bridge between ideas and practical solutions

The five new quantum hubs are being delivered by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC),