Is quantum communication the future?

Is quantum communication the future? Dr KK Aggarwal For the first time, entangled particles of light have been successfully transmitted through sea water, which is known to absorb light, in a feat that can be called as ‘quantum communication’ or ‘quantum teleportation’. Researchers from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China tested entanglement of photons in water in a proof-of-concept experiment. Saltwater from the Yellow Sea was put in a container. And, they were able to transmit entangled photons through the seawater in the 3.3 meter long container without disturbing their quantum link. In the study published in the journal The Optical Society, the researchers said, “Our results confirm the feasibility of a seawater quantum channel, representing the first step towards underwater quantum communication.” This experiment was based on the concept of “quantum entanglement”, a concept that was once considered impossible by Einstein, who termed this phenomenon as "spooky action at a distance". Matter, we know, can be sequentially converted into atoms and then to subatomic particles (protons, electrons and neutrons), photons, quantum and wave. A photon (or quantum) has properties not only of a wave but also of a particle simultaneously (wave particle duality). When two photons interact or become “entangled” and then separate, they are connected at a speed much faster than the speed of light and affect each other, even when separated by huge distances. In this entangled state, the two photons (or quantum bits – qubits) share an existence or characteristics (quantum information measured as quantum bits ‘qubits’) and are interdependent. When one is altered in any way, the other too is altered even at a distance. Transmission of quantum information from one location to another is called quantum communication or quantum teleportation. All communication today is local i.e. antenna, wires, cables, optical fibers are required for transmission of information. Wireless communication includes applications such as two-way radios, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants and wireless networking (Wikipedia). Quantum communication or teleportation, on the other hand, is indicative of non local connectivity. This proof of quantum communication has raised possibility of ‘quantum’ internet in the future and also that transmitting ‘quantum’ information or messages underwater without fear of their being intercepted may soon be a reality. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this write up are entirely my own.

Be tuned to the signals of nature

Be tuned to the signals of nature The human body is made up of matter. If you break the matter, it is converted into atoms and then to subatomic particles (protons, electrons and neutrons), photons, quantum and wave in sequence. Matter can therefore be converted into non-matter. Photon is a state where you are both matter and non matter. In quantum mechanics, this is called wave particle duality in which every particle can be described as a particle and also as wave. When two photons particles interact or become ‘entangled’ and then separate, they are connected at a speed much faster than the speed of light and act similar even when separated by huge distances. Einstein called this connection as “spooky action at a distance” as according to him this was impossible. This phenomenon answers many of the mysteries of consciousness. Because at the level of photon, we are connected to everybody in the universe. When we learn to live in the present, there is harmony between our inner rhythm and the rhythms of the nature, a phrase described in Vedic text as “ritam bhara pragya” Ritam (rhythm), Bhara (full of), Pragya (mind) or simply put, a “mind full of rhythm”. This is the extreme parasympathetic state of the body and represents a state of mind where the thought waves are synchronous with the order of the universe. It is the interface between the disturbed and the undisturbed state of consciousness. It can be achieved by deep meditation. People who meditate have been said to acquire many powers like telepathy, reverse telepathy, spontaneous fulfilment of desires, meaningful coincidences, synchrodestiny etc. Our consciousness or the soul is the silent state of mind with infinite powers. These powers are hidden under the smoke of mind, intellect and ego. Ritam bhara pragya is controlling the mind, intellect and ego. Our Vedas say that nature regularly sends us signals that show that you are on the right path or have taken a wrong turn in life. But we are oblivious to them because at that particular moment, we are living either in the past or in the future. The state of Ritam bhara pragya brings us in close contact with nature, enabling us to pick up the signals of the nature. Once the state of ritam bhara pragya is achieved, we start living in the present. Living in the present is sometimes referred to as mindfulness. If we live our lives mindfully, we will get more out of life. Because then the intention becomes powerful, and one starts experiencing spontaneous fulfilment of desires. This is also the level where one experiences Siddhis, or the super normal powers described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this write up are entirely my own. Dr KK Aggarwal