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Sub-anchor: Study of subatomic particles

CCTV.com

08-15-2016 12:52 BJT

For a closer look at the world's first quantum satellite from China, we are joined in the studio by my colleague Zheng Yibing.

Q. Yibing, the mystery of quantum physics has been puzzling people, since it was discovered. Yet, it's on the frontier of science, and well, might change our future. Could you put it simply how it can be applied in communications?

Quantum physics studies subatomic particles. One of its strangest properties is called "quantum entanglement," which means a tiny particle acts, as if it's simultaneously in two locations, even separated by a galaxy. Scientists liken it to two pieces of paper that are distant from each other. If we write on one, the other immediately shows our message. So, this becomes the foundation of "quantum communication." In this way, the transfer of data happens, at a speed even faster than light, and collapses, when it is observed. Theoretically, once such communication is established, it will be an unbreakable and encrypted wireless network. The satellite to be launched by China is about 640 kilograms. It contains specialized machines, including a "quantum key communicator," a "quantum entanglement emitter," an "entanglement source," and a processing unit. Once the satellite works, it will beam individual entangled photons between space and ground stations, over a thousand kilometers apart. According to the project team, such communication would be available in about ten years -- and can be applied in various fields, including online banking and military affairs.

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