Two real-world tests of quantum memories bring a quantum internet closer to reality

Experiments in cities show how to spread quantum entanglement through a network

Illustration showing three atoms, representing quantum memories, are connected by lines, representing entanglement, over a cityscape backdrop.

In a demonstration of technology needed for a quantum internet, researchers in China generated entanglement between three quantum memories in the city of Hefei (illustrated).

Qianhui Shi

In the quest to build a quantum internet, scientists are putting their memories to the test. Quantum memories, that is.

Quantum memories are devices that store fragile information in the realm of the very small.