Quantum Communication, ion traps of thermoluminescent materials

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the implications of a 2006 paper on quantum communication using entangled electrons in ion traps of thermoluminescent crystals. Participants explore the potential for communication protocols based on temperature changes affecting entangled particles, questioning why commercial applications have not emerged since the paper's publication.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses surprise at the lack of commercial solutions based on the 2006 paper, suggesting it seems trivial to develop a communication protocol using temperature changes.
  • Another participant clarifies that quantum entanglement does not permit classical communication, emphasizing that traditional methods are required to observe the effects discussed in the paper.
  • A question is posed regarding the feasibility of sending a binary signal instantaneously between entangled crystals located at significant distances.
  • One participant mentions having contacted an author of the paper, who did not indicate any downsides and noted that the authors are pursuing patent protection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility of developing a communication protocol based on the discussed research. There are competing views on the implications of quantum entanglement for communication and the reasons for the absence of commercial applications.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the practical challenges of implementing the proposed communication protocol and the implications of quantum entanglement for classical communication methods.

sdwdd
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Recently I've came by this article:
"Intercontinental quantum liaisons between entangled electrons in ion traps of thermoluminescent crystals" by Robert Desbrandes and Daniel Van Gent
http://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0611109

Researchers used ion traps caused by imperfections of the crystals to "store" the entangled particles. Then they concluded an experiment in which one of the crystals was heated and the effect of this action was observed on the second crystal miles away. Their results show that such a communication really took place and was resistant to outside factors to a good extent.

That was really an inspiring reading for me.

But I was surprised that the paper was published in 2006 and during all these years no commercial solutions where built on this idea.

My question is why?
It looks trivial to build a protocol on top of the temperature changes to allow communication.

Can anyone uncover the downsides here?
 
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sdwdd said:
Recently I've came by this article:
"Intercontinental quantum liaisons between entangled electrons in ion traps of thermoluminescent crystals" by Robert Desbrandes and Daniel Van Gent
http://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0611109

Researchers used ion traps caused by imperfections of the crystals to "store" the entangled particles. Then they concluded an experiment in which one of the crystals was heated and the effect of this action was observed on the second crystal miles away. Their results show that such a communication really took place and was resistant to outside factors to a good extent.

That was really an inspiring reading for me.

But I was surprised that the paper was published in 2006 and during all these years no commercial solutions where built on this idea.

My question is why?
It looks trivial to build a protocol on top of the temperature changes to allow communication.

Can anyone uncover the downsides here?

Welcome to PhysicsForums, sdwdd!

Quantum entanglement, as demonstrated in the paper, does not allow for classical communication. It is easy to read it differently, but the effect is one which requires a traditional communication method to observe.

There have been a number of earlier tests of quantum communication using other more common techniques. So the paper you cited is not considered groundbreaking in that regard. For example:

http://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/9810080
 
Is this to say that a binary signal (on/off blip on the graph) could be sent from one entangled crystal located 5 miles underground, to the paired crystal sitting in a vault in downtown DC - in an instant?
 
sdwdd said:
Recently I've came by this article:
"But I was surprised that the paper was published in 2006 and during all these years no commercial solutions where built on this idea.

My question is why?
It looks trivial to build a protocol on top of the temperature changes to allow communication.

Can anyone uncover the downsides here?

I have had contact with one of the authors fairly recently.
No downside mentioned.
The authors are pursuing patent protection.
 

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