Fast Entanglement Distribution with Atomic Ensembles and Fluorescent Detection

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new quantum repeater protocol using fluorescent detection of atomic ensembles to significantly improve entanglement distribution rates over long distances.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel scheme employing fluorescent detection to enhance efficiency and scalability of atomic ensemble-based quantum repeaters.

Findings

Fluorescent detection increases entanglement connection efficiency.

The proposed protocol can achieve higher entanglement distribution rates.

Practical implementation considerations are discussed.

Abstract

Quantum repeaters based on atomic ensemble quantum memories are promising candidates for achieving scalable distribution of entanglement over long distances. Recently, important experimental progress has been made towards their implementation. However, the entanglement rates and scalability of current approaches are limited by relatively low retrieval and single-photon detector efficiencies. We propose a scheme, which makes use of fluorescent detection of stored excitations to significantly increase the efficiency of connection and hence the rate. Practical performance and possible experimental realizations of the new protocol are discussed.