Budny 10:00
R-13
DEEP SPACE COMMUNICATION THROUGH QUANTUM STATE
ENTANGLEMENT
John Anderson Pidgeon III (jap173@pitt.edu)
radiation, the same type of information transfer as a car
radio. There are a myriad of problems that pose a huge threat
to the safety of future missions that go beyond Mars
supported by a network based on Earth. First, the speed of
the network is too slow. Currently, the rovers on Mars
transmit data at only a few megabits per second [6(4)],
which means that is takes ninety minutes for a highresolution photo to be sent from the red planet [2]. This is
unacceptable when we plan on sending humans to the harsh
environment that Mars possesses. “An efficient network
might support the very quick upload or download of huge
video files the size of an HD YouTube video as opposed to
the current capabilities that would struggle to transfer mp3
music files” [6]. Efficient communication is also necessary
in order to execute a mission from millions of miles away.
Current technology could potentially bring failure to a
mission or the death of an astronaut due to a delayed
response to a hazard or the inability to give emergency
attention to a critical situation.
Another threat to the reliability of the network is solar
storms. These can disrupt communications, resulting in less
efficient missions. The disruption could cause poorly relayed
messages to astronauts deep in space, which has obvious
potential to be extremely dangerous. Not only does the
network seem unsafe, but also a faster and more reliable
network is more cost effective. If the network were faster,
there would be a decreased demand for the quantity of
missions to collect data. Instead of years of data transfers
from multiple space probes, we could get just as much data,
if not more, out of just only one [6].
THE ULTIMATE QUEST
Existence: a mystery that has instigated a great deal of
controversy since the beginning of the human era. Finding
the answer yearns within every soul, but the quest cannot
progress without the advancement of technologies aimed to
explore the frontier of existence: space and the universe.
At the turn of the century, the National Academy of
Engineering devised a list of fourteen “Grand Challenges for
Engineering.” One of these is to engineer the scientific tools
for discovery. A specific of this challenge is for engineers to
find cheaper and more efficient ways to explore the universe
[1]. Currently a large deficiency exists in the communication
between our tools for discovery and the human race: the
space network is too slow and fragile [2]. A new era of
computing is edging into the field and involves Einstein’s
theory of quantum mechanics. This level of computing
known as quantum computing, has a great deal of potential
for deep space communication and should be researched
heavily if we as a society strive to explore further into the
depths of the Universe; and we do.
With every new addition into the field of
engineering, there comes an evaluation of the ethics
involved with that addition. Quantum computing is a hazy
turf to analyze because it is so new and not all of its
applications have been discovered.
The National Society of Engineers devised a list of
six canons, which lay out how an engineer should conduct
herself in her line of duty. The canon from the NSPE that I
will associate with this technology is: Hold Paramount the
Safety, Health, and Welfare of the Public [3(3.1)]. Not
should engineers adhere to the standard of ethics set by the
NSPE, but they also should adhere to the code of ethics set
by their respective field. The association that Quantum
Computing adheres to is the Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers (IEEE). The related canon that I will
discuss from the IEEE is: Avoid Injuring Others, Their
Property, Reputation, or Employment by False or Malicious
Action [4(3.2)]
Within this paper I will be discussing the value of
writing such a paper as this for freshman engineering in
teaching research skills and application evaluation skills.
WHERE’S THE SOLUTION?
In the world of Quantum Physics, common sense and
preconceived notions are obsolete. Not only is it hard to
fathom the ideas it suggests, but also Einstein referred to
Quantum physics as “spooky from a distance.”
A Quantum computer uses the theory that a particle can
be in two states at once, and is in both states until measured.
While a classic computer uses bits defined as zeros or ones
to send information, a Quantum “qubit” can be a zero and a
one simultaneously, increasing the computing speed to
“polynomial time” [7(5)] The problem with this added speed
is that, if given to the wrong people, it can cause serious
damage to the welfare of the public and individual’s
property through malicious action. These are two serious
violations to both the NSPE code of ethics and the IEEE
code of ethics. This damage can occur by using the speed of
the computer to decrypt valuable files. As said by
engineering.com, “Most encryption algorithms in use today
THE CATCH
With the recent termination of its shuttle program, NASA
plans to redirect its resources to send manned and unmanned
craft into space deeper than ever before [5(3)]. Before this
happens, the space giant must revamp its stone-aged
communication network, which uses electromagnetic
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
October 4th, 2011
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John Anderson Pidgeon III
rely on the fact that splitting a large number into its prime
factors takes almost exponential time. But with a quantum
computer, Schorr’s algorithm [which is the operating
algorithm that all Quantum Computers use to operate] will
complete the task in polynomial time. So, with Quantum
Computing in the wrong hands, your documents, even with
strong RSA encryption, are hackable.” [7]
When Einstein called Quantum physics “spooky,” his
reference was to the theory of entanglement, which is the
idea that two particles can be linked into the same quantum
state. An example would be if you were to put one of the
entangled particles on the moon but keep the other on Earth,
then changed the quantum state of the one on earth, the
particle on the moon would mimic the one on earth
instantaneously. In other words, information can move faster
than the speed of light and without a medium. Another perk
of entanglement is that the information can’t be interrupted
or tapped into. This not only increases the secrecy of space
communications but also increases the safety in terms of
solar storms.
I’ll take the time now to assess the value of writing
papers such as these in a freshman-engineering curriculum.
First of all, research papers on a certain achievement in
engineering help to stimulate thought within a young
student’s mind on how he or she plans to use his or her
engineering education to not only make a difference, but
completely change the way humans live. I wrote this paper
by researching about quantum computing and it’s features,
but I made the connection to deep space communication on
my own. The paper showed me how to be innovative. I
looked at what the features were, and used those to solve a
problem.
Writing about the ethics aspect to an achievement
in engineering helps students to “think ethically” [8], which
means that instead of being taught the ethics of engineering
and memorizing them, the students learn to apply these
ethics and learn how to think abstractly to catch ethical
violations. As Abaté said, “the ultimate aim to teach
engineering ethics is not to produce moral engineers, but
rather to instill careful clarity of insight and cogent decisionmaking skills” [8].
more ground in the quantum world. The efficiency provided
by quantum computing for deep space communications
could also help stimulate the privatization of the space
industry. As the space industry becomes more privatized,
there could be an increased demand for reinforcement in the
ethics associated with Quantum Computing. Private
companies may not have as strict protocols as government
entities. This leaves even more room for unethical uses of
this new technology.
With the continuing research going on in this field
as well as other areas of engineering, it is important for
students to actively learn about new achievements and
challenges. If students can learn to find significance,
possible applications, and related ethical issues within new
achievements and challenges, then once the students
themselves become professional engineers, they can apply
these skills to recognize values, possible applications, and
related ethical issues within their own achievements and
challenges.
REFERENCES
[1] A. Revkin. (2008, February 20). “How Many ‘Grand’ Engineering
Challenges Are Really Policy Challenges?” The New York Times. [Online
Article] Available:http://www.dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/20/howmany-grand-engineering-challenges-are-really-policy-challenges/
[2] E. Mantalbano. (2011, September 26). “NASA Plans High-Speed Space
Communications System.” Information Week. [Online Article].
Available:informationweek.com/news/government/leadership/231602091
[3] (2007 July). “Code of Ethics for Engineers”. National Society of
Professional
Engineers.
[Online
PDF]
Available:
http://www.nspe.org/ethics/codeofethics/index.html
[4] (2006 Febreaury). “IEEE Code of Ethics”. IEEE.org. [Online PDF]
Available: http://www.ieee.org/about/corporate/governance/p7-8.html
[5] E. Mantalbano. (2011, August 23). “NASA Invests $175 Million In
Next-Gen Space Technologies.” Information Week. [Online Article].
Available:informationweek.com/news/government/leadership/231500602
[6] J. Hsu. (2010, January 22). “NASA to Boost Speed of Deep Space
Communications.” SPACE. [Online Article]. Available:space.com/7815nasa-boost-speed-deep-space-communications.html
[7] D. Hedges and V. Penman. (2011, September 29). “Bizarre World of
Quantum Computing.” Engineering. [Video Blog] Available:
engineering.com/Videos/Thisweekinengineering/VideoId/2774/TWIE-76Bizarre-World-Of-Quantum-Computing.aspx
[8] C.J. Abaté. (2010, June 4). “Should Engineering Ethics be Taught?”
Science and Engineering Ethics. [Online Article] Volume 17, Number 3, pg
583-596, Available: DOI:10.1007/511948-010-9211-9
HOW’S IT COMING’?
ADDITIONAL SOURCES
Quantum computing is currently in an early developing
stage. The only company able to “claim” to have created a
quantum computer is D-Wave, a Canadian firm. Although
critics remain skeptical, Google Inc. has used the machine to
test image-searching software, and Lockheed Martin bought
a D-Wave One for “undisclosed purposes” [5]. This is still
considerable progress though, and as NASA is still making
it’s full shift into deep space exploration, there is still time
for quantum computing to make the cut before humans enter
these discovery systems. Quantum computing could make
some serious headway within the next decade or so
especially with the CERN experiments breaking more and
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
(2010, October 2). “Introduction to the Grand Challenges for Engineering.”
National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges for Engineering.
[Online:
Website].
Available:
engineeringchallenges.com/cms/8996/9221.aspx
C. Cry. (2009, June 9). “Scientists Reproduce Quantum Entanglement,
Einstein’s ‘Spook Action’.” Popular Science. [Online Article].
Available:popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-06/quatum-entangllment
Y. Rong-Can, L. Jie, W. Jun-Min, and Z. Tian-Cai. (2011, September 15).
“Quantum Entanglement Dynamics of Two Atoms in Quantum Light
Sources.” Communicaions in Theoretical Physics. [Online Journal] Volume
56. Pg 429-434. Available: iopscience.iop.org/0253-6102/56/3/06/pdf/02536102_56_3_06.pdf
S. H. Unger. (2010) “Responsibility in Engineering: Victor Paschihis vs.
Wernher von Braon.” IT Proffesional. [Online Article] 12(3), pg 6-7.
Available: DOI 10.1109/MITP.2010.94
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John Anderson Pidgeon III
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I’d like to thank Erik Born, one of my research physics
instructors at Woodberry Forest School, who took the time
to explain Schrödinger’s equation and the basics of Quantum
Mechanics to our class in the spring of 2011. His lessons
helped me to pursue this topic with the knowledge necessary
to understand its complexity.
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
October 4th, 2011
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