Quantum Information, Quantum Cryptography, and Quantum Teleportation

Abstract

This chapter discusses quantum information science (QIS), quantum key distribution (QKD), and quantum teleportation. The new field of QIS encompasses several overlapping subdisciplines: quantum computing, quantum key distribution (also known as quantum cryptography), and quantum metrology (the measurement of small parameters and weak forces with ultra-high precision). In QIS, bits of information are encoded in quantum states, which themselves can be in superposition states and/or entanglement states. Generically, the 0 and 1 quantum bits are represented as qubits (quantum bits). QKD, or quantum cryptography, is a completely secure method of secret communication, and will remain so even if a quantum computer becomes available. Quantum teleportation is one of the more exotic features to have emerged from the field of QIS. It refers to the ability to transfer an unknown quantum state from one location to another, possibly very distant, location by using quantum entanglement.