The Future of High Speed Comm.

I enjoy marveling at the latest/greatest in technology.  The ingenuity of man is amazing, and I never want to get to "that" point where I feel as though I no longer understand things (because I failed to keep up). 

I want to point out a technology that I've been watching evolve for a little bit:  quantum optics.  I'll save you the longwinded/half-ass attempt at defining what quantum optics are, and just provide you with a quick def from Wikipedia:

"Quantum optics is a field of research in physics, dealing with the application of quantum mechanics to phenomena involving light and its interactions with matter."

This technology is now being applied in the communications field as a way to send super-secure information at hilarious speeds, and over very long distances.  [High frequency trader enters from stage left and exclaims:] "Great Scott!  This will lower international trading-venue-arb latency!"

I also believe that many of these quantum-encrypted messages (carried in/on a laser beam) will, per the principles of quantum mechanics, change state if intercepted by an unintended party.  You could pass privy information at stupid-fast speeds AND if it's not for your eyes...the message could be engineered to corrupt. Insider trading is about to take a futuristic turn.  And in totally unrelated news, Goldman Sachs just purchased 20 quantum laser beams. 

"Avert thy eyes from our laser beams, people!"

Above:  Slightly visible quantum optic ("friggin' laser beam") in action.