China sends “unbreakable” quantum code from satellite
China has transmitted an encrypted signal from a satellite using quantum key distribution technology, Reuters reported.
It launched the first quantum satellite in August 2016, with the latest experiment detailed in the journal Nature.
According to the report, the satellite distributed quantum keys to ground stations in China between 645km and 1,200km away.
The satellite achieved transmission rates that were up to 20 orders of magnitude more efficient than optical fibre.
Researchers said this can meet the demands of making an absolutely safe phone call, or transmitting a large amount of bank data.
They explained that any attempt to eavesdrop on the quantum channel would introduce detectable disturbances to the system, and if intercepted or measured, the quantum state of the key will change – causing the intercepted data to “self-destruct”.
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