Entanglement Distribution in Optical Networks

TL;DR

This paper presents a practical design for a metropolitan optical network capable of distributing entangled photon pairs to multiple users simultaneously, leveraging commercial components and existing infrastructure for scalable quantum communication.

Contribution

It introduces a novel network architecture for entanglement distribution using wavelength-division multiplexing and flexible backbone design, enabling scalable quantum networking.

Findings

Network supports simultaneous entanglement distribution to multiple user pairs.

Uses commercial off-the-shelf components and existing infrastructure.

Extends network reach and capacity with a flexible backbone architecture.

Abstract

The ability to generate entangled photon-pairs over a broad wavelength range opens the door to the simultaneous distribution of entanglement to multiple users in a network by using centralized sources and flexible wavelength-division multiplexing schemes. Here we show the design of a metropolitan optical network consisting of tree-type access networks whereby entangled photon-pairs are distributed to any pair of users, independent of their location. The network is constructed employing commercial off-the-shelf components and uses the existing infrastructure, which allows for moderate deployment costs. We further develop a channel plan and a network-architecture design to provide a direct optical path between any pair of users, thus allowing classical and one-way quantum communication as well as entanglement distribution. This allows the simultaneous operation of multiple quantum information technologies. Finally, we present a more flexible backbone architecture that pushes away the load limitations of the original network design by extending its reach, number of users and capabilities.