Introduction to Quantum Physics and Information Processing

Chapter 9

Information and Communication

The most successful practical applications of quantum mechanics in informa-

tion theory have been in the field of communication. This is a very old field that

has taken inputs from engineering, pure mathematics and computer science

apart from physics. It is only natural that application of quantum techniques

here should be among the first to be considered and implemented. Modern

technology in optical communication using laser light and optical fiber cables

is sufficiently advanced that it can quickly be adapted to using photons as the

quantum carriers of information.

In analyzing information communication, we normally ...