Quantum information technology is an emerging interdisciplinary field of quantum mechanics and information science, whose birth will promote a new era of human intelligence from classical technology to quantum technology. This paper elaborates on the research status and future of the field of quantum information technology. Moreover, this paper shows the vision of quantum technology, i.e., the construction of various types of quantum networks, including quantum cloud computing networks, distributed quantum computing, quantum sensor networks, and quantum key distribution networks. Quantum computers have transformed research from the laboratory to the development of practical devices led by these enterprises. Currently, research and development of quantum computers have shifted to the stage of noisy intermediate-scale quantum computers (NISQ). In the era of quantum technology, there is no absolutely secure secrecy system or omnipotent way of deciphering Information and information security has entered a new stage of “quantum offense and defense."
Quantum information technology is an emerging interdisciplinary field of quantum mechanics and information science, whose birth will promote a new era of human intelligence from classical technology to quantum technology. This paper elaborates on the research status and future of the field of quantum information technology. Moreover, this paper shows the vision of quantum technology, i.e., the construction of various types of quantum networks, including quantum cloud computing networks, distributed quantum computing, quantum sensor networks, and quantum key distribution networks. Quantum computers have transformed research from the laboratory to the development of practical devices led by these enterprises. Currently, research and development of quantum computers have shifted to the stage of noisy intermediate-scale quantum computers (NISQ). In the era of quantum technology, there is no absolutely secure secrecy system or omnipotent way of deciphering Information and information security has entered a new stage of “quantum offense and defense."
The rapid development of quantum information has brought new opportunities and challenges to modern information technologies.As one of the popular research directions in the field of quantum information, quantum networks aim to utilize the fundamental properties of quantum mechanics to achieve long-distance (secure) communications or provide computational capabilities superior to classical computing networks through distributed computing.The study of quantum networks holds great significance in advancing the practicality of quantum information.To gain a comprehensive understanding of the development trajectory of quantum networks, this study categorizes quantum networks into three types: quantum cryptography, quantum cloud computing, and quantum teleportation networks, based on different application scenarios and technical approaches.It provides comprehensive reviews of both domestic and international research progress and the challenges faced in each aspect.Furthermore, in conjunction with the practical implementation of quantum networks, the key technologies that need to be overcome in the development of quantum network systems, involving link establishment, information transmission, networking protocols, and physical hardware, are summarized.Overall, the development of quantum networks is still in the primary stage.At this stage, actively addressing challenges and seizing opportunities are of great significance to enhance the technological prowess of China.Therefore, to promote the development of 收稿日期：2023-10-11；修回日期：2023-10-30 通讯作者： * 高飞，网络与交换技术国家重点实验室(北京邮电大学)教授，研究方向为量子密码和量子算法；E-mail:
Quantum networks are a rapidly evolving technology that utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to facilitate secure communication, distributed quantum computing, and highly sensitive sensor networks. Quantum networks are constructed using diverse components, such as quantum information sources, quantum memories, quantum repeaters, and quantum detectors. These networks leverage the distinctive features of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to attain superior performance benefits. Despite the numerous challenges that impede the development of quantum networks, such as the requirement for more efficient and dependable components, considerable advancements have been achieved in recent years through the utilization of simulations and experimental platforms. With the growing need for enhanced security and faster computing, the potential for quantum networks appears promising in the future. The potential of these innovations to revolutionize various fields and facilitate novel breakthroughs and discoveries is noteworthy. In this paper, we review the current state of the art in quantum networks, including key concepts and technologies such as quantum key distribution, quantum repeaters, and quantum routing. We also discuss some of the key challenges in quantum networks, including scalability, noise, and interoperability, and highlight some of the key research directions in this field. Finally, we discuss some of the potential applications of quantum networks, including secure communication, quantum computing, and quantum sensing. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and future directions of quantum networks and will be of interest to researchers, engineers, and policymakers working in this field.
Quantum networks are a rapidly evolving technology that utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to facilitate secure communication, distributed quantum computing, and highly sensitive sensor networks. Quantum networks are constructed using diverse components, such as quantum information sources, quantum memories, quantum repeaters, and quantum detectors. These networks leverage the distinctive features of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to attain superior performance benefits. Despite the numerous challenges that impede the development of quantum networks, such as the requirement for more efficient and dependable components, considerable advancements have been achieved in recent years through the utilization of simulations and experimental platforms. With the growing need for enhanced security and faster computing, the potential for quantum networks appears promising in the future. The potential of these innovations to revolutionize various fields and facilitate novel breakthroughs and discoveries is noteworthy. In this paper, we review the current state of the art in quantum networks, including key concepts and technologies such as quantum key distribution, quantum repeaters, and quantum routing. We also discuss some of the key challenges in quantum networks, including scalability, noise, and interoperability, and highlight some of the key research directions in this field. Finally, we discuss some of the potential applications of quantum networks, including secure communication, quantum computing, and quantum sensing. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and future directions of quantum networks and will be of interest to researchers, engineers, and policymakers working in this field.
Quantum informatics is an emerging interdisciplinary subject developed by the combination of quantum mechanics, information science, and computer science in the 1980s. The birth and development of quantum information science has far-reaching significance in science and technology. At present, the application of quantum information technology has become the direction of people's efforts. The preparation, storage, purification and regulation, transmission, quantum coding and decoding of quantum state have become the hotspot of scientists and technicians, which have a profound impact on the national economy and the people's livelihood, technology and defense technology. This paper first summarizes the background of quantum information science and quantum computer and the current situation of domestic and foreign research, and then introduces the basic knowledge and basic concepts of quantum computing. Finally, several quantum algorithms are introduced in detail, including Quantum Fourier transform, Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm, Shor's quantum algorithm, quantum phase estimation.
To overcome the scaling limitations of conventional semiconductor chips, quantum computing has emerged and experienced significant growth in recent years. Quantum computing utilizes resources such as quantum superposition and quantum entanglement to encode and process information. Compared to classical computing, this technology can provide exponential acceleration in the field of ultra-large-scale parallel computing. Consequently, its practical application is anticipated to have profound impacts on information and related technologies. The paper employs a comparative analysis approach to systematically examine the research progress of quantum computer technology. Specifically, the study emphasizes the analysis and consolidation of various quantum computing technology routes, critically evaluates their advantages and disadvantages, and provides a foresight into their future development trends. Currently, research on quantum computing technology is in its early stages and is evolving rapidly. Multiple technical paths are being pursued, resulting in a diverse and competitive landscape that is expected to persist in the short term, as it will take some time before the practical application of quantum computers becomes feasible.
In the early decades of the 20th century, the inception of quantum mechanics catalyzed the first quantum revolution, resulting in groundbreaking technological advances, such as nuclear energy, semiconductors, lasers, nuclear magnetic resonance, superconductivity, and global satellite positioning systems. These innovations have promoted significant progress in material civilization, fundamentally changed the way of life and societal landscape of humanity. Since the 1990s, quantum control technology has made significant strides forward, ushering in a rapid evolution of quantum technologies, notably exemplified by quantum information science. This encompasses domains such as quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum precision measurement, offering paradigm-shifting solutions for enhancing information transmission security, accelerating computational speed, and elevating measurement precision. These advances hold the potential to provide crucial underpinning for national security and the high-quality development of the national economy. The swift progression of quantum information technology heralds the advent of the second quantum revolution. Following nearly three decades of concerted efforts, China’s quantum information technology field as a whole has achieved a leap. Specifically, China presently assumes a prominent international role in both the research and practical application of quantum communication, leading the global domain in quantum computing, and achieving international preeminence or advanced standing across various facets of quantum precision measurement. Presently, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the developmental priorities in the realm of quantum information in China for the forthcoming 5 to 10 years, in alignment with national strategic priorities and the evolving landscape of international competition. This will enable the proactive establishment of next-generation information technology systems that are secure, efficient, autonomous, and controllable.