「量子網路」革命即將到來：這個「不可破解」的網路如何運作

隨著英國整合量子網路 (IQN) 中心的推出，朝著安全和革命性通訊網路邁出了重要一步。

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.

隨著英國整合量子網路 (IQN) 中心的推出，朝著安全和革命性通訊網路邁出了重要一步。

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.

這項突破性的研究計畫將使科學家致力於開發一個「幾乎無法破解」的量子互聯網——一個利用量子力學原理傳輸資訊的龐大網路。

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.

作為英國政府投資 1.6 億英鎊量子技術計畫的一部分，赫瑞瓦特大學被選為 IQN 中心的領導者。

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

在此之前，最近宣布了另外四個量子中心，這些中心將專注於量子感測和量子生物醫學技術等領域。

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

這些中心將共同形成一個專業知識和創新網絡，幫助推動英國量子技術的發展。

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

以下詳細介紹了量子互聯網的工作原理及其可能帶來的潛在好處。

Understanding bits, qubits, and entanglement

了解比特、量子比特和糾纏

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.

傳統互聯網使用比特，可以是 0 或 1。想像一枚硬幣，在你仔細觀察之前，它既是正面也是反面──這本質上就是量子比特的樣子。

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.

這種獨特的狀態被稱為疊加，它允許量子力學中的另一個關鍵現象稱為糾纏。糾纏的量子位元連接在一起並共享一個結果，無論它們之間的距離如何。

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.

為了說明糾纏，想像一下兩個相連的硬幣。如果你拋一枚硬幣，它正面朝上，你甚至不用看它，就會立即知道另一枚硬幣是反面的。這種瞬時連接使得量子網路幾乎無法被破解。

Quantum internet: A solution to cybercrime and more

量子網路：網路犯罪等問題的解決方案

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

據估計，網路犯罪每年給英國造成 270 億英鎊的損失，量子網路預計將提供前所未有的安全水準。

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.

透過使用量子位元和糾纏，量子網路可以創建理論上不可能攔截的通訊系統。任何測量或攔截量子位元的嘗試都會破壞其狀態，從而向發送者和接收者發出潛在違規警報。

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.

想像一下試圖竊聽兩個使用量子網路進行通訊的人之間的對話。一旦你嘗試監聽，量子位元就會被破壞，雙方都會知道有人試圖攔截他們的通訊。

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.

這種固有的安全性使量子網路成為保護敏感資料和通訊的有前途的解決方案，這可能對金融、政府和國防等部門產生重大影響。

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

除了增強安全性之外，量子網路還可以徹底改變醫療保健、銀行和科學研究等領域。

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.

例如，量子網路可用於連接醫院中的醫療設備，從而能夠即時監測患者的生命體徵，並使醫生能夠對患者病情的任何變化做出快速反應。

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.

在銀行業，量子網路可用於創建一個安全的系統來轉移資金和處理交易，從而降低詐欺和網路犯罪的風險。

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

科學家還可以使用量子網路來更有效地共享數據並在研究項目上進行協作，從而實現更快、更具突破性的發現。

Quantum technology: A supercharged version of existing systems

量子技術：現有系統的增強版本

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

將領導赫瑞瓦特 IQN 中心的 Gerald Buller 教授將量子技術描述為當今技術的「增壓」版本。

"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.

「它使我們能夠以傳統技術無法想像的方式解決問題並保護數據。這可能會帶來從藥物研究到令人興奮的新材料開發等各個方面的突破，」他說。

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.

IQN 中心的主要重點將是創建能夠長距離分佈量子糾纏的大規模量子網路。

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.

這將涉及開發用於生成、操作和檢測量子位元的新技術，以及用於建立和維護網路中不同節點之間的量子連接的協議。

Heriot-Watt's significant role in quantum research hubs

赫瑞瓦特在量子研究中心中的重要作用

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.

除了領導 IQN 中心外，赫瑞瓦特大學還在另外四個新宣布的量子中心中的三個中發揮重要作用。

These hubs will focus on the following areas:

這些中心將重點放在以下領域：

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

量子定位、導航和授時 (PNT) 技術可能會徹底改變運輸、物流和測量等產業。

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

量子生物醫學感測技術，旨在開發用於醫學成像、診斷和治療的新型量子感測器。

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

量子感測、成像和計時（SIT）技術，將探索量子感測器在材料科學、環境監測和國防等領域的應用。

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

赫瑞瓦特大學參與這些多樣化的量子研究中心凸顯了該機構在該領域的實力和專業知識。

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.

該大學的研究人員正在量子技術開發的最前沿工作，他們對這些中心的貢獻將有助於加速這些技術在英國及其他地區的進步和應用。

Quantum hubs: A bridge between ideas and practical solutions

量子中心：想法與實際解決方案之間的橋樑

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

這五個新的量子中心由 UKRI 工程和物理科學研究委員會 (EPSRC) 交付，