Cheap fiber helps scientists link two quantum networks for first time

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University have demonstrated a pioneering quantum network prototype that merges two independent quantum networks into a single, reconfigurable system supporting eight users. This network can route, distribute, and teleport quantum entanglement on demand, marking a significant advancement in the development of scalable quantum communication systems. The team’s approach leverages a low-cost, commercially available optical fiber—costing under £100—using the natural chaotic scattering of light within the fiber to create a high-dimensional entanglement router. By programming the input light, the fiber acts as a multi-port device capable of dynamically switching entanglement distribution patterns and supporting multiplexing, allowing multiple users to share the same fiber simultaneously. A key highlight of the demonstration was multiplexed entanglement teleportation, where entanglement was swapped between four distant users across two channels simultaneously, showcasing unprecedented flexibility in quantum network routing. This breakthrough suggests a practical pathway toward linking smaller quantum processors into larger, networked quantum supercomputers, which