Practical repeaters for ultra-long distance quantum communication

TL;DR

This paper proposes a practical quantum repeater network using existing technology, enabling secure quantum communication over intercontinental distances with high tolerance to losses and imperfections.

Contribution

It introduces a robust quantum repeater protocol that is highly tolerant to photon loss and detector imperfections, facilitating long-distance quantum communication.

Findings

Achieves secure bit rates of kilohertz over intercontinental distances

Uses existing technology for practical implementation

Demonstrates high tolerance to photon loss and detector imperfections

Abstract

Quantum communication is at the forefront of quantum technology, enabling the development of absolutely secure encryption, distributed quantum computing, teleportation and more. Whilst quantum communication has been experimentally demonstrated at distances on the order of hundreds of kilometers, the establishment of high-fidelity pairs shared over larger distances remains a formidable technical challenge due to attenuation. However, this may be overcome with the use of quantum repeaters. Here we propose a method to construct a robust quantum repeater network using only existing technology. Our protocol is able to perform all parts of the procedure in a way that is highly tolerant to photon loss and imperfections in detectors, and it achieves secure bit rates on the order of kilohertz over intercontinental distances.