Efficient Quantum Repeater with Single Atoms in Cavities

TL;DR

This paper proposes a quantum repeater scheme using single atoms in cavities for efficient entanglement distribution over long distances, requiring less complexity and achievable with current technology.

Contribution

It introduces a novel quantum repeater protocol based on photon-atom gates that is simpler and more feasible than existing methods.

Findings

High entanglement distribution rates possible with current techniques.

Multiplexing 10 atoms can achieve secret key rates of 1-100 Hz over 1000 km.

The scheme is adaptable to various atomic systems.

Abstract

Efficient quantum repeaters are needed to combat photon losses in fibers in future quantum networks. Single atom coupled with photonic cavity offers a great platform for photon-atom gate. Here I propose a quantum repeater scheme with efficient entanglement generation and entanglement swapping based on photon-atom gates. It can be implemented with various types of atomic systems and requires much less experimental complexity compared to other repeater protocols. With current available experimental techniques and reasonable improvements, high entanglement distribution rates can be achieved. A multiplexing configuration of 10 single atoms in cavities, secret key rates in order of a few Hz to 100s Hz can be achieved for communication distance of 1000 km. This proposal paves the way for the demonstration of an efficient entanglement distribution with quantum repeaters in the near future.