“量子互联网”革命即将到来：这个“不可破解”的网络如何运作

随着英国集成量子网络 (IQN) 中心的推出，朝着安全和革命性通信网络迈出了重要一步。

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.

随着英国集成量子网络 (IQN) 中心的推出，朝着安全和革命性通信网络迈出了重要一步。

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.

这项突破性的研究计划将使科学家们致力于开发一个“几乎无法破解”的量子互联网——一个利用量子力学原理传输信息的庞大网络。

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.

作为英国政府投资 1.6 亿英镑量子技术计划的一部分，赫瑞瓦特大学被选为 IQN 中心的领导者。

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，最近宣布了另外四个量子中心，这些中心将重点关注量子传感和量子生物医学技术等领域。

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

这些中心将共同形成一个专业知识和创新网络，帮助推动英国量子技术的发展。

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

下面详细介绍了量子互联网的工作原理及其可能带来的潜在好处。

Understanding bits, qubits, and entanglement

了解比特、量子比特和纠缠

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.

传统互联网使用比特，可以是 0 或 1。另一方面，量子网络使用量子比特，它可以同时存在为 0、1 或两者。想象一下一枚硬币，在你仔细观察之前，它既是正面也是反面——这本质上就是量子比特的样子。

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.

这种独特的状态被称为叠加，它允许量子力学中的另一种关键现象称为纠缠。纠缠的量子位连接在一起并共享一个结果，无论它们之间的距离如何。

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.

为了说明纠缠，想象一下两个相连的硬币。如果你抛一枚硬币，它正面朝上，你甚至不用看它，就会立即知道另一枚硬币是反面的。这种瞬时连接使得量子网络几乎无法被破解。

Quantum internet: A solution to cybercrime and more

量子互联网：网络犯罪等问题的解决方案

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

据估计，网络犯罪每年给英国造成 270 亿英镑的损失，量子互联网有望提供前所未有的安全水平。

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.

通过使用量子比特和纠缠，量子网络可以创建理论上不可能拦截的通信系统。任何测量或拦截量子位的尝试都会破坏其状态，从而向发送者和接收者发出潜在违规警报。

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.

想象一下试图窃听两个使用量子网络进行通信的人之间的对话。一旦你尝试监听，量子位就会被破坏，双方都会知道有人试图拦截他们的通信。

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.

这种固有的安全性使量子网络成为保护敏感数据和通信的有前途的解决方案，这可能对金融、政府和国防等部门产生重大影响。

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

除了增强安全性之外，量子互联网还可以彻底改变医疗保健、银行和科学研究等领域。

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，量子网络可用于连接医院中的医疗设备，从而能够实时监测患者的生命体征，并使医生能够对患者病情的任何变化做出快速反应。

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.

在银行业，量子网络可用于创建一个安全的系统来转移资金和处理交易，从而降低欺诈和网络犯罪的风险。

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

科学家还可以使用量子网络来更有效地共享数据并在研究项目上进行协作，从而实现更快、更具突破性的发现。

Quantum technology: A supercharged version of existing systems

量子技术：现有系统的增强版

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

将领导赫瑞瓦特 IQN 中心的 Gerald Buller 教授将量子技术描述为当今技术的“增压”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.

“它使我们能够以传统技术无法想象的方式解决问题并保护数据。这可能会带来从药物研究到令人兴奋的新材料开发等各个方面的突破，”他说。

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 中心的主要重点将是创建能够长距离分布量子纠缠的大规模量子网络。

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.

这将涉及开发用于生成、操作和检测量子位的新技术，以及用于建立和维护网络中不同节点之间的量子连接的协议。

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.

除了领导 IQN 中心外，赫瑞瓦特大学还在另外四个新宣布的量子中心中的三个中发挥着重要作用。

These hubs will focus on the following areas:

这些中心将重点关注以下领域：

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

量子定位、导航和授时 (PNT) 技术可能会彻底改变运输、物流和测量等行业。

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

量子生物医学传感技术，旨在开发用于医学成像、诊断和治疗的新型量子传感器。

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

量子传感、成像和计时（SIT）技术，将探索量子传感器在材料科学、环境监测和国防等领域的应用。

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

赫瑞瓦特大学参与这些多样化的量子研究中心凸显了该机构在该领域的实力和专业知识。

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.

该大学的研究人员正在量子技术开发的最前沿工作，他们对这些中心的贡献将有助于加速这些技术在英国及其他地区的进步和应用。

Quantum hubs: A bridge between ideas and practical solutions

量子中心：想法与实际解决方案之间的桥梁

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

这五个新的量子中心由 UKRI 工程和物理科学研究委员会 (EPSRC) 交付，