Communication using quantum entanglement

In summary, FTL communication via quantum entanglement is not possible due to causality constraints. However, it may be possible to transfer information using quantum entanglement at a slower speed than light. The nature of quantum measurement prevents the ability to control the state of the entangled particle. Quantum teleportation relies on classical information transfer, making it pointless for communication purposes. However, entanglement is used in quantum cryptography for secure key distribution. This involves constructing a random key from correlated measurements between two distant locations.
  • #1
phsopher
180
4
As I understand it FTL communication via quantum entanglement would be impossible since it violates causality, but would it be possible to transfer information using QE slower that the speed of light? I recall reading something like that the receiver would not be able to tell whether the transmitter has done anything to his part of the entangled system and thus wouldn't be able to distinguish between the transmitter sending him information and a random measurement. Is this correct? Thanks.
 
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  • #2
You could only transmit information via entanglement if you could pick which state the particle on your end ends up in after you measure it. But, the nature of quantum measurement forbids this.
 
  • #4
But you have to communicate information before you can achieve quantum teleportation!
 
  • #5
kvl said:

But since you have to transfer classical information isn't it rather pointless communication-wise? You could include everything you want to say in the classical bit you're sending anyway.
 
  • #6
phsopher said:
But since you have to transfer classical information isn't it rather pointless communication-wise? You could include everything you want to say in the classical bit you're sending anyway.

Entanglement is also used in one form of quantum cryptography - Anton Zellinger notes that "In entanglement-based quantum cryptography it leads to the most elegant possible solution of the classic key distribution problem. It implies that the key comes into existence at spatially distant location at the same time and does not need to be transported" http://meetings.aps.org/Meeting/MAR07/Event/63945. Basically Alice and Bob construct a random key from the correlated polarization measurements.

Maybe this is what you had in mind?
 

1. What is quantum entanglement?

Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in which two or more particles become connected in such a way that the state of one particle is dependent on the state of the other(s), regardless of the distance between them.

2. How can quantum entanglement be used for communication?

Quantum entanglement can be used for communication by encoding information onto one of the entangled particles and then sending it to the other particle. The information can then be decoded by measuring the state of the second particle, which will be correlated with the state of the first particle.

3. Is quantum entanglement faster than traditional communication methods?

Yes, quantum entanglement is theoretically faster than traditional communication methods because information is transmitted instantaneously between entangled particles, regardless of the distance between them. However, the practical implementation of quantum entanglement for communication is still in its early stages and is not yet widely used.

4. Can quantum entanglement be used for secure communication?

Yes, quantum entanglement can be used for secure communication. This is because any attempt to intercept or measure the entangled particles would disturb their state, making it apparent to both parties that the communication has been compromised.

5. What are the current challenges in using quantum entanglement for communication?

There are several challenges in using quantum entanglement for communication, including the difficulty of creating and maintaining entangled particles over long distances, the need for specialized equipment and techniques, and the vulnerability of the entangled particles to external interference. Additionally, the practical implementation of quantum communication is still in its early stages and requires further research and development.

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