China’s quantum satellite adds two new tricks to its repertoire
Era of ultrasecure communication inches closer
A record-breaking quantum satellite has again blown away the competition, achieving two new milestones in long-distance quantum communications through space.
In June, Chinese researchers demonstrated that the satellite Micius could send entangled quantum particles to far-flung locations on Earth, their properties remaining intertwined despite being separated by more than 1,200 kilometers (SN Online: 6/15/17). Now researchers have used the satellite to teleport particles’ properties and transmit quantum encryption keys. The result, reported in two papers published online July 3 and July 4 at arXiv.org, marks the first time the two techniques have been demonstrated in space.