Quantum networking

Single atoms form the nodes of an elementary quantum network in which quantum information is transmitted via the controlled exchange of single photons. (Graphic by Andreas Neuzner, MPQ).

Quantum computing has received a lot of press over the years, for obvious reasons: the idea of using quantum effects to create a more powerful computer is just plain cool. Now, researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) in Garching, Germany, have announced a breakthrough in a related concept: quantum networking.

Networking through quantum effects doesn't get nearly as much press, but that doesn't mean that a fully functioning quantum network wouldn't be pretty neat stuff. According to MPQ's announcement:

Besides giving insights into fundamental questions in physics, they could also have applications in secure communication and the simulation of complex many-body systems, or they could be used for distributed quantum computing.

The MPQ team has apparently created the world's first elementary quantum network; to read more about it, check out their announcement here. Or, for the physics  in all its glorious details, check out their recent article in Nature.