Adaptive bandwidth management for entanglement distribution in quantum networks

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a flexible, scalable method for distributing quantum entanglement in multi-user networks using adaptive bandwidth partitioning, improving resource management and quality-of-service guarantees.

Contribution

It introduces a reconfigurable, loss-fixed bandwidth management technique for quantum networks leveraging flex-grid technology, enabling scalable entanglement distribution.

Findings

Successfully equalized coincidence rates across users

Achieved fixed loss independent of user number

Demonstrated practical resource provisioning in quantum networks

Abstract

Flexible-grid wavelength-division multiplexing is a powerful tool in lightwave communications for maximizing spectral efficiency. In the emerging field of quantum networking, the need for effective resource provisioning is particularly acute, given the generally lower power levels, higher sensitivity to loss, and inapplicability of digital error correction. In this Letter, we leverage flex-grid technology to demonstrate reconfigurable distribution of quantum entanglement in a four-user tabletop network. By adaptively partitioning bandwidth with a single wavelength-selective switch, we successfully equalize two-party coincidence rates that initially differ by over two orders of magnitude. Our scalable approach introduces loss that is fixed with the number of users, offering a practical path for the establishment and management of quality-of-service guarantees in large quantum networks.