Robust quantum network architectures and topologies for entanglement distribution

TL;DR

This paper proposes robust quantum network architectures and topologies for entanglement distribution, analyzing their resilience to losses and failures to advance the development of a fail-safe quantum internet.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum network architecture using a Bravais lattice and discusses robustness of various topologies with percolation theory, providing metrics for real-world implementation.

Findings

Network robustness depends on topology and loss parameters.

Percolation thresholds quantify resilience against photon loss.

Figures of merit enable comparison of different network topologies.

Abstract

Entanglement distribution is a prerequisite for several important quantum information processing and computing tasks, such as quantum teleportation, quantum key distribution, and distributed quantum computing. In this work, we focus on two-dimensional quantum networks based on optical quantum technologies using dual-rail photonic qubits for the building of a fail-safe quantum internet. We lay out a quantum network architecture for entanglement distribution between distant parties using a Bravais lattice topology, with the technological constraint that quantum repeaters equipped with quantum memories are not easily accessible. We provide a robust protocol for simultaneous entanglement distribution between two distant groups of parties on this network. We also discuss a memory-based quantum network architecture that can be implemented on networks with an arbitrary topology. We examine networks with bow-tie lattice and Archimedean lattice topologies and use percolation theory to quantify the robustness of the networks. In particular, we provide figures of merit on the loss parameter of the optical medium that depend only on the topology of the network and quantify the robustness of the network against intermittent photon loss and intermittent failure of nodes. These figures of merit can be used to compare the robustness of different network topologies in order to determine the best topology in a given real-world scenario, which is critical in the realization of the quantum internet.