Chinese quantum satellite Micius breaks record for distribution distance of quantum entangled photons

Chinese scientists have established a quantum link between particles 1200 kilometres apart, smashing the previous world record of 143 kilometres.

The satellite-to-ground-station experiment is a giant leap towards establishing a worldwide quantum communication network.
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Distribution of entangled particles will provide a quantum key distribution mechanism that allows for provably secure communications, beyond which is possible now.

Last August the Chinese Academy of Sciences put an experimental satellite into orbit named Micius after a 5th-century BC philosopher.

On board that satellite is a quantum-enabled transmitter that can split photons – a single packet of light – into two entangled photons.

In quantum mechanics, when particles such as photons are entangled, one particle instantaneously reacts to an interaction with its pair, theoretically over an infinite distance.

Einstein dismissively called this "spooky action at a distance".

A little-acknowledged fact is the role of the hippies that saved physics. It was one of this team - Berkeley's Fundamental Fysiks Group - that pioneered the idea of using 'spooky action at a distance' for secure communications.


Clockwise from left: Jack Sarfatti, Saul-Paul Sirag, Nick Herbert and Fred Alan Wolf.

That book is a ripping read, by the way.