Quantum Entanglement and its applications in Space Technology
What is Quantum Entanglement?
Quantum entanglement is the bizarre link through which the entire universe stays connected. It is a strange phenomenon which states that if a pair of two particles are entangled, they remain linked despite cosmic distances. Entanglement can be described as the soul of quantum physics which reveals itself at subatomic scales.
Interpretations of quantum mechanics state that information between entangled particles can be exploited(made use of), however according to classical physics transmission beyond the speed-of-light is impossible. Does Quantum entanglement break rules of classical physics?
Behaviour of Entangled Particles
Independent of their separation, two entangled particles cannot exist in the same state simultaneously if we change one particle the other undergoes instant change. According to classical mechanics, distance must affect the period between which both particles change, however the variations are spontaneous. The causes of disruption between entangled particles can be any external elements which may affect the activity of any one particle, such as its surrounding temperature or pressure.
General uses of Quantum Entanglement
The extensive uses of quantum entanglement are in Quantum annealing, Quantum cryptography, and Quantum Teleportation. The speed at which quantum transmissions take place is 3 trillion meters per second, four orders of magnitude greater than the speed-of-light.
Quantum annealing is a quantum computing method used to find the most favourable outcomes to problems with large solutions. It uses functions of quantum tunnelling as well as entanglement. Quantum cryptography refers as a method of encryption which uses the natural properties of quantum mechanics to transmit data securely. Quantum teleportation is the process through which encoded information between two linked particles is teleported.
Applications in Space Technology
In space science, quantum computing is used in various tasks including data analysis, communications, and simulations. One of the most significant function of quantum computing in space science is data analysis. Large amounts of datasets are generated in space science such as, images, spectra, and measurements. Quantum computing boosts the analysis process by simultaneously allowing several data sets to be run.
Simulations are used to model complex systems, behaviour of galaxies, formation of stars, or interaction of particles in space. Quantum computing is used in simulations which allows an increase in the complexity of the program, such as to predict future events. Research at IBM are using quantum simulations to examine the behaviour of molecules in space.
Secure communication through deep space is the most essential function in quantum computing. It provides improved and highly secure methods of transmitting data, quantum teleportation. Quantum communication can be used to transmit data between spacecraft or ground-states.
Practical applications of entanglement have been tested by NASA in the superconducting nanowire single-photon (SNSPD’s) used in cryptography and deep-space communications. In addition, The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Explorer (LADEE), by NASA, demonstrated its communication potentials through this phenomenon.
LADEE’s lunar laser communication demonstration used components on the spacecraft and a receiver, ground based. The experiment resulted in presenting the idea of the possibility of producing sensitive laser communications arrays, which would be successful in enabling larger datasets to be transmitted and downloaded to distant space probes.
Future of Entanglement
Quantum entanglement can be thought of as the fundamental base of quantum physics. Like its uses in space technology, entanglement can be described in many philosophical terms. Just as particles connect through this event, a realistic example would be entanglement between humans.
We call it telepathy. Telepathy refers to communication beyond the known senses. Its principle is like quantum entanglement and can be described as a part of biological entanglement. Telepathic circumstances reported individuals being surprised by how a single thought would alter their reality within seconds. Such as someone you thought of in the present happens to call you at that moment or a situation you may have imagined would occur instantaneously. That may be described as entanglement with the universe.
Carrying various purposes and principles, quantum entanglement can be the base for future discoveries. Quantum entanglement may be the secret ingredient needed for exceptional growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for space technology through the upcoming years. It may allow deeper sense of understanding to the theories many gifted scientists, Albert Einstein, struggled to comprehend.
The four companies primarily focused on quantum computing are IBM, Google, Amazon (AWS), and Microsoft. They aim to rise higher with the understanding of this phenomenon.
What do you think what the future of space technology holds?
References
· Author: Srini Pillay M.D, last updated: (22/04/2018) Title: (The Biology of Telepathy) URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/debunking-myths-the-mind/201804/the-biology-telepathy last accessed: (20/06/2023)
· Author: Suyansh Chandrakar, last updated: (March 2) Title: (Quantum Computing in Space Science) URL: https://bootcamp.uxdesign.cc/quantum-computing-in-space-science-88d88f505bbb#:~:text=Quantum%20computing%20can%20also%20be,secure%20way%20of%20transmitting%20data. Last accessed: (20/06/2023)
· Author: Jesse Emspak (contributions from Kimberly Hickok) last updated: (16/05/2023) Title: (What is Quantum Entanglement?) URL: https://www.space.com/31933-quantum-entanglement-action-at-a-distance.html#:~:text=Quantum%20entanglement%20is%20a%20bizarre,one%20will%20affect%20the%20other. Last accessed: (20/06/2023)