Quantum Teleportation: from science fiction to experimental reality

Quantum teleportation is the transfer of unknown information between two distant points in space, exploiting classical and quantum resources. Well known to fans of the Star Trek series, teleportation is often imagined as a technology that dematerializes a body at one location and reconstructs it instantly at another distant point in space. The current concept of quantum teleportation differs significantly from this popular image: it is not matter that is transported, but information. The purpose of this article is to provide a clear explanation of how teleportation can be achieved using the peculiar properties of quantum mechanics, which will be introduced throughout the text. We do not assume prior knowledge of advanced mathematical formalism or physical concepts. We also discuss technological applications of quantum teleportation, such as in quantum communication and in the quantum internet.

Keywords:
Quantum teleportation; quantum internet; entanglement; quantum communication.