• Quantum teleportation was successfully demonstrated over standard fiber-optic cables carrying classical data, a first in the field.
• The experiment used separate wavelengths for quantum and classical signals to prevent interference, showcasing the potential for coexistence.
• This achievement paves the way for integrating quantum communication into existing infrastructure, potentially revolutionizing industries and saving significant costs.

Researchers at Northwestern University have achieved a significant milestone by demonstrating quantum teleportation over 30.2 kilometers of standard fiber-optic cables that were also carrying classical data traffic. This breakthrough shows that quantum communication can coexist with existing internet infrastructure, potentially saving billions in infrastructure costs and accelerating the development and deployment of quantum technologies. The experiment involved transmitting quantum data alongside high-speed internet traffic, proving the feasibility of integrating quantum networks into the current global communication system.

• What: Quantum teleportation of data was achieved over a 30.2-kilometer stretch of standard fiber-optic cable while simultaneously transmitting classical data traffic.
• Who: Researchers at Northwestern University, led by Professor Prem Kumar, conducted the experiment. Jordan Thomas, a Ph.D. candidate, is the paper's first author.
• When: The study was recently published in the journal Optica. The specific date of the experiment is not mentioned, but the article was published on May 2, 2025.
• Where: The experiment was conducted at Northwestern University, using spooled fiber in the lab.

This achievement marks a significant step forward in quantum communication research. The successful demonstration of quantum teleportation over existing fiber-optic infrastructure addresses a major obstacle to the widespread adoption of quantum technologies. The ability to integrate quantum communication with classical networks could revolutionize various industries, including finance, healthcare, and computing. The use of specific wavelengths and narrow-band filters to minimize interference is a crucial aspect of the experiment's success, highlighting the technical challenges and innovative solutions involved in quantum communication.

This is incredibly exciting because nobody thought it was possible. Our work shows a path towards next-generation quantum and classical networks sharing a unified fiber optic infrastructure. It opens the door to pushing quantum communications to the next level.

By performing a destructive measurement on two photons—one carrying a quantum state and one entangled with another photon—the quantum state is transferred onto the remaining photon, which can be very far away. Teleportation allows the exchange of information over great distances without requiring the information itself to travel that distance.

Quantum teleportation has the ability to provide quantum connectivity securely between geographically distant nodes. But many people have long assumed that nobody would build specialized infrastructure to send particles of light. If we choose the wavelengths properly, we won’t have to build new infrastructure. Classical communications and quantum communications can coexist.

The successful demonstration of quantum teleportation over fiber-optic cables by Northwestern University researchers represents a major advancement in the field of quantum communication. This achievement paves the way for integrating quantum networks into existing infrastructure, potentially revolutionizing industries and enabling secure, ultra-fast communication. While further research is needed to extend the technology to longer distances and real-world underground cables, this breakthrough offers a promising vision for the future of quantum technologies and their integration into everyday life.