Scientists uncover new insights into quantum entanglement
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding quantum entanglement, revealing how particles can remain connected over vast distances. This discovery could pave the way for advancements in quantum computing and secure communications. The findings were published in a leading physics journal on September 28, 2025.
In a study led by Dr. Elena Vasquez at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), scientists explored the phenomenon of quantum entanglement, where two or more particles become linked such that the state of one instantly influences the other, regardless of distance. The research, detailed in the journal Nature Physics, used advanced laser interferometry to observe entanglement in real-time over 10 kilometers.
The experiment began in early 2025, with the team preparing entangled photon pairs using a nonlinear crystal. 'We were able to measure correlations that defy classical physics, confirming Einstein's "spooky action at a distance" with unprecedented precision,' Vasquez said in an interview. The setup involved sending one photon through fiber optics to a remote station, while the other remained at the lab.
Key findings include a 99.8% fidelity in entanglement preservation, far surpassing previous records of 95%. This addresses long-standing challenges in decoherence, where environmental noise disrupts quantum links. Background context: Quantum entanglement has puzzled physicists since the 1930s, underpinning technologies like quantum key distribution for unhackable encryption.
The implications are profound. Experts suggest this could accelerate quantum networks, enabling global secure data transfer. However, challenges remain, such as scaling to multiple particles. 'While promising, practical applications are years away,' noted co-author Dr. Raj Patel.
No contradictions were found in the single source, which emphasizes the experiment's rigor through repeated trials yielding consistent results. The study builds on prior work from 2023 at the University of Vienna, extending entanglement distances by 50%.
This discovery highlights ongoing progress in quantum science, funded by the National Science Foundation with a $2.5 million grant. It underscores the field's potential to transform computing and cryptography, though ethical concerns about quantum supremacy in surveillance persist among critics.