Telecommunications fiber-optic and free-space quantum local area networks at the Air Force Research Laboratory

TL;DR

This paper reports on the development and characterization of field-deployable quantum local area networks (QLANs) using fiber and free-space links at telecommunications frequencies, demonstrating entanglement distribution in outdoor environments.

Contribution

It introduces reconfigurable, multi-node QLANs tailored for diverse conditions, with experimental validation of entanglement distribution and network topologies in real-world settings.

Findings

Successful entanglement distribution over deployed fiber in outdoor environments.

High-quality entanglement confirmed by CHSH inequality violation of 2.717.

Demonstration of practical, field-deployable quantum network infrastructure.

Abstract

As quantum computing, sensing, timing, and networking technologies mature, quantum network testbeds are being deployed across the United States and around the world. To support the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)'s mission of building heterogeneous quantum networks, we report on the development of Quantum Local Area Networks (QLANs) operating at telecommunications-band frequencies. The multi-node, reconfigurable QLANs include deployed optical fiber and free-space links connected to pristine laboratory environments and rugged outdoor test facilities. Each QLAN is tailored to distinct operating conditions and use cases, with unique environmental characteristics and capabilities. We present network topologies and in-depth link characterization data for three such networks. Using photonic integrated circuit-based sources of entangled photons, we demonstrate entanglement distribution of time-energy Bell states across deployed fiber in a wooded environment. The high quality of the entanglement is confirmed by a Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt inequality violation of $S=2.717$, approaching the theoretical maximum of $S=2.828$. We conclude with a discussion of future work aimed at expanding QLAN functionality and enabling entanglement distribution between heterogeneous matter-based quantum systems, including superconducting qubits and trapped ions. These results underscore the practical viability of field-deployable, qubit-agnostic quantum network infrastructure.