Researchers at Oxford University Physics are claiming they have found a way to extend quantum computing to individual users through the cloud. That has not been possible because quantum interactions are extremely sensitive, and the signals collapse when sent through a public fiber network.

Sending quantum computing through a last-mile fiber network requires developing privacy and security techniques to handle the fragile nature of a quantum transmission. The researchers at Oxford Physics announced in Physics Review Letters that they found a solution for the security issue.

The technique they developed is called “blind quantum computing”. This involves having one computer located at a quantum computer connected to a computer elsewhere through a fiber connection through the cloud. The transmitting computer sends a photon stream along with the data stream. A device is connected to the remote computer that detects the photons, and the device constantly recalibrates the receiving computer to be able to fully understand subsequent data streams. In trials, this technique has allowed a remote computer to engage with the quantum computer.

Ideally, fiber lines can be specifically conditioned to make this process work better. That creates an opportunity for ISPs to create fiber that are maximized for quantum computing. Such connections could be sold at a premium price to reach a researcher’s home or a business that want to connect to the quantum computer.

Quantum computers are far more powerful than traditional computers when trying to solve problems with large numbers of variables. Traditional computing uses bits, which can only be either a 1 or a 0, while quantum computing uses qubits, which can each be a 0, 1, or a combination of both simultaneously (called superposition). This allows a quantum computer to perform some kinds of calculations significantly faster by being able to explore multiple possibilities at the same time. Where a traditional computer processes data sequentially, a quantum computer can process in parallel due to superposition and entanglement properties.

Companies like IBM and Google have been offering quantum computing services and have seen some significant benefits from quantum computing. Quantum computers can quickly simulate complex molecules and chemical reactions, which is helping with drug and materials research. Quantum computers can benefit AI by enhancing machine learning algorithms for complex data analysis and pattern recognition. Quantum computing holds great promise for creating more accurate weather prediction maps. Quantum computing should improve accuracy for applications like medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and navigation.