IonQ Achieves Quantum Internet Breakthrough: Frequency Conversion Unlocks Long-Distance Quantum Networking

On September 23, 2025, IonQ announced a major milestone in quantum internet technology: the company has successfully demonstrated quantum frequency conversion of visible photons to telecom wavelengths. This achievement directly addresses one of the field’s most pressing challenges—enabling quantum signals to travel reliably across existing fiber-optic networks, opening the door to long-distance quantum networking.

Why Quantum Frequency Conversion Matters

Quantum computing relies on the transmission of quantum bits (qubits), often encoded in photons. Traditionally, these photons operate at visible wavelengths, which are not ideally suited for transmission over commercial fiber-optic cables due to signal loss and interference. By converting these photons to telecom wavelengths, IonQ’s technology allows quantum information to be sent over the same infrastructure that powers today’s internet, making scalable, secure quantum networks a realistic goal .

Technical Details and Global Vision

IonQ’s demonstration involved converting photons emitted from trapped barium ions—used in its quantum computers—into telecom wavelengths using a prototype system. This process is crucial for transmitting quantum information efficiently across long-haul fiber, supporting the development of a quantum internet that could eventually link quantum computers around the globe 

This achievement follows IonQ’s recent delivery of the first trapped-ion quantum computer with an integrated photonic interface to the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) in Rome, New York, demonstrating momentum toward distributed quantum computing .

IonQ continues to expand its presence, operating across major U.S. cities and Europe, and offers quantum-computing-as-a-service through cloud platforms like Amazon Braket, Microsoft Azure Quantum, and Google Cloud Marketplace 

Implications for the Future of Quantum Internet

The ability to transmit quantum signals over existing telecom infrastructure is widely regarded as essential to building a secure, scalable quantum internet. This would allow quantum computers to connect, collaborate, and share resources over vast distances, potentially transforming fields such as cybersecurity, material science, and complex computation.

While public reaction to IonQ’s announcement has yet to emerge, the breakthrough is expected to accelerate research and investment in quantum networking. Industry experts highlight that solving frequency conversion is a critical step toward practical quantum communication and distributed quantum computing.

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Essential Facts at a Glance

Sources

(The Quantum Insider).(MarketScreener).