Demonstration of a reconfigurable quantum network architecture suitable for ground-to-space communication

TL;DR

This paper experimentally demonstrates a flexible quantum network architecture that can switch between satellite and ground-based configurations, enhancing long-distance quantum communication with potential for large-scale deployment.

Contribution

It introduces a reconfigurable quantum network design that integrates satellite links and ground nodes, utilizing time and frequency correlations for improved performance.

Findings

Successful experimental demonstration of reconfigurable quantum network architecture

Enhanced coincidence-to-accidental ratio using photon-pair source correlations

Projection of scalable quantum key distribution with up to 72 users

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate a reconfigurable quantum network architecture suitable for integrating satellite links in metropolitan quantum networks. The network architecture is designed such that once a satellite is in range, it is configured in a multipoint-to-point topology where all ground nodes establish entanglement with the satellite receiver using time multiplexing to optimize long-distance transmission. Otherwise, the satellite up-link can be rerouted to the ground nodes to form a pair-wise ground network. Leveraging both the time and frequency correlations of our photon-pair source, we demonstrate an increased coincidence-to-accidental ratio without additional resource overhead in a five-node network. To contextualize these experimental findings, we project their performance in a quantum key distribution scenario and outline a feasible route toward field deployment, using integrated photonics to enable network integration of up to 72 users.