How Can Quantum Entanglement Be Used?

Building on research carried out by legends like Albert Einstein and John Bell, scientists Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser and Anton Zeilinger have received the Nobel Prize in Physics 2022 “for experiments with entangled photons, establishing the violation of Bell inequalities and pioneering quantum information science”.

Together, the trio unpacked the mysteries surrounding quantum mechanics works and explained how particles can exist in an entangled state, regardless of physical distance. The breakthrough has exciting implications for fields like quantum computing, cryptography, teleportation and superdense coding.

Intrigued? Read on to find out more about quantum entanglement and how a deeper understanding of the physical phenomenon has revolutionised different fields:

Quantum computing

Quantum computing has reimagined the capabilities of computers and empowered them with the tools to solve ultra-complex problems. Tech giant IBM is a pioneer of quantum computing and has used the laws of quantum mechanics and entanglement to design advanced hardware used by companies like Mercedes Benz and Exxon Mobile.

Quantum entanglement also has huge potential for CRISPR research and gene editing. The ability to build and sort through a huge database of DNA information could accelerate genetic sequencing and help researchers pinpoint disease-driven mutations.

Quantum cryptography

A deeper understanding of quantum entanglement has exciting implications for quantum cryptography, an ultra-secure way of protecting and transmitting data.

Quantum machine learning

Computing giant Microsoft claims quantum machine learning algorithms can be used to fast-track clinical prognostic analysis. In a study conducted in 2021, the company used CT scan images of COVID-19 patients to investigate the benefits of incorporating a quantum neural network (QNN) into the clinical prognostic analysis process.

Quantum teleportation

Austrian physicist Anton Zeilinger received recognition for his work on a phenomenon called quantum teleportation, a novel technique for securely transferring information. The distribution of encryption keys is one of the most prominent applications for quantum teleportation. In China, quantum entanglement technology is being used to build secure and private communication networks for the military, finance industry and other sectors.

Superdense coding

Superdense coding is another field revolutionised by quantum entanglement. The framework is based on the idea that the sender and receiver both share an entangled resource. This entangled resource supports the secure transfer of information between the two parties.  

Quantum entanglement is one of many exciting breakthroughs transforming the scientific world. In the chemical analysis realm, high-throughput Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) is setting a new benchmark for quantitative assays. Find out more about the technology in ‘Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) competencies required for high-throughput LC-MS assays’