The use of light particles, that is, photons, to convey information is by no means new. Photons have found applications in a number of tests to determine the accuracy of quantum networks over long distances. While the emergence of quantum communication remains on the horizon, the research team has developed a new way of using photons to wirelessly transmit information and data, potentially replacing today's fiber optics and creating a much faster Internet. Researchers at the University of Glasgow in the UK, working with colleagues from Germany, New Zealand and Canada, have developed a method for modulating photons, which they call "optical angular momentum" (OAM). Modulation works by "twisting light" and transmitting it through open air channels. Specifically, the team twisted the photons,passing them through a special hologram, similar to the one on every credit card.
The use of holograms allows photons to carry more information than the usual binary 0 and 1 bits used in modern digital communications, similar to how a quantum network uses quantum bits (qubits) to convey information. This transmission method has been shown to be effective over distances of up to 1.6 km (roughly a mile) of free space. The research team built a canal in Erlangen, Germany, where an urban environment was simulated with all potential sources of signal interference.
A working optical angular momentum communication system is capable of transmitting data wirelessly across open space, which can transform and simplify online access for developing countries without the need to build expensive fiber networks. Since fiber optics is still the fastest way to transfer information, scientists believe that their method can provide bandwidth surpassing fiber-optic lines, moreover, without the need for laying physical cables.
Despite its effectiveness, this type of communication has its physical limits, for example, it cannot be used indoors. In addition, the influence of weather conditions on the throughput of channels with OAM has not yet been studied.
However, the research team has made a promising achievement by demonstrating that so-called adaptive optics can improve the transmission of quantum information.
Serg kite
