Picosecond synchronization system for quantum networks

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a fiber optic quantum network with picosecond synchronization, enabling high-fidelity quantum communication over long distances using off-the-shelf components and a scalable timing system.

Contribution

It introduces a scalable, fully automated synchronization system with picosecond resolution for quantum networks, utilizing standard telecommunication components and wavelength distribution techniques.

Findings

Achieved 200 MHz clock-rate quantum network with ps-scale timing resolution.

Reduced coincidence-to-accidental ratio from 77 to 42 with synchronization enabled.

Enabled high-fidelity qubit transmission in a multi-node quantum network.

Abstract

The operation of long-distance quantum networks requires photons to be synchronized and must account for length variations of quantum channels. We demonstrate a 200 MHz clock-rate fiber optic-based quantum network using off-the-shelf components combined with custom-made electronics and telecommunication C-band photons. The network is backed by a scalable and fully automated synchronization system with ps-scale timing resolution. Synchronization of the photons is achieved by distributing O-band-wavelength laser pulses between network nodes. Specifically, we distribute photon pairs between three nodes, and measure a reduction of coincidence-to-accidental ratio from 77 to only 42 when the synchronization system is enabled, which permits high-fidelity qubit transmission. Our demonstration sheds light on the role of noise in quantum communication and represents a key step in realizing deployed co-existing classical-quantum networks.