Scientists at Kyoto University and Hiroshima University have achieved a breakthrough in quantum physics by successfully identifying the elusive W state of quantum entanglement, solving a 25-year-old challenge in the field[^1].
The team developed a method to measure entangled W states using photonic quantum circuits, demonstrating it successfully with three photons. This achievement is significant because W states, along with GHZ states, are fundamental building blocks for quantum networks[^1][^3].
"More than 25 years after the initial proposal concerning the entangled measurement for GHZ states, we have finally obtained the entangled measurement for the W state as well," said Shigeki Takeuchi, the study's corresponding author[^1].
The breakthrough enables single-shot identification of quantum states, eliminating the need for numerous measurements that grow exponentially with added photons. This advancement opens paths for:
- Quantum teleportation of information between distant locations
- New quantum communication protocols
- More efficient quantum computing methods
- Transfer of multi-photon quantum entangled states[^1][^8]
The research team used highly stable optical quantum circuits that could operate for extended periods without active control. They validated their method by successfully distinguishing different types of three-photon W states[^8].
[^1]: ScienceDaily - New quantum breakthrough could transform teleportation and computing
[^3]: RSInc - New Quantum breakthrough could transform Teleportation and Computing
[^8]: SciTechDaily - Scientists Capture W State, Unlocking Quantum Teleportation
As always: Nice super niche discovery that maybe will have some helpful effects in super niche research in 30 years.
There's really no point getting excited over news like that, because more likely than not it will never have an effect to the average person and if it does, that effect will never be as glorious as it sounds like in the noncientific news. (And yes, even if it says "Science" in the title, it's still non-scientific, because actual scientific news is nothing that ever goes viral.)
Would you agree that atomic clock for super precise timekeeping falls int the same cathegory?
How long was it from the first paper about it until the first implementation?
Basic research is incredibly important, but it's not something anyone outside of the scientific community needs to get hyped about.
Especially not if they expect star trek teleportation and all they get is quantum entanglement.
I don't know, but it's effect is definitely not niche. It's how you get GPS.