Seismic Sensing Using Quantum Cryptography Network

…Experiment demonstrates that quantum key distribution networks, which are part of highly secure cryptography schemes, can also detect and locate earthquakes…

…As is common for the TF-QKD method, Zhang and colleagues designed their system to correct for fluctuations in the phase of light passing through the fiber…

….For example, if a sudden movement briefly extends the length of fiber by a half wavelength, a trough of the light wave would arrive instead of a peak… So a TF-QKD system must continuously make adjustments—such as stretching the length of fiber by incremental amounts—to cancel out phase fluctuations….

Wiggle Web. A network for sharing quantum keys could also serve as a system of sensors for earthquakes and other seismic vibrations. Image Credit: Y. Zheng, Micius Salon

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