Merging-Based Quantum Repeater

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel quantum repeater scheme based on merging operations that preserve entanglement after failures, leading to faster, more flexible quantum communication compared to traditional methods.

Contribution

It introduces a merging-based quantum repeater protocol that maintains entanglement after failures, improving efficiency and flexibility over conventional swapping-based protocols.

Findings

Reduces waiting times in quantum communication

Enables higher communication rates

Offers greater flexibility in communication requests

Abstract

We introduce an alternative approach for the design of quantum repeaters based on generating entangled states of growing size. The scheme utilizes quantum merging operations, also known as fusion type-I operations, that allow the reintegration and reuse of entanglement. Unlike conventional swapping-based protocols, our method preserves entanglement after failed operations, thereby reducing waiting times, enabling higher rates, and introducing enhanced flexibility in the communication requests. Through proof-of-principle analysis, we demonstrate the advantages of this approach over standard repeater protocols, highlighting its potential for practical quantum communication scenarios.