Hybrid Fiber-Free-Space Entanglement Distribution Using Off-the-Shelf Quantum Devices

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the successful distribution of polarization-entangled photon pairs across a campus-scale quantum network using off-the-shelf components, advancing practical quantum communication technology.

Contribution

It presents a hybrid fiber-free-space entanglement distribution system built with commercial quantum devices, showing progress towards deployable quantum networks.

Findings

Entanglement distributed over fiber and free-space links

Use of commercially available quantum components

Pathway for practical quantum network deployment

Abstract

Entanglement serves as a fundamental resource for quantum technologies, enabling communication and computation tasks that surpass classical limits. Its distribution across networks is essential for interconnecting quantum processors, enabling distributed quantum computing to address complex challenges in areas such as drug discovery, material science, and optimization. In this work, we report the successful distribution of polarization-entangled photon pairs across a campus-scale, three-node quantum network comprising both fiber and free-space optical links. The entire system was built using commercially available components provided by partners within the Netherlands Quantum Ecosystem. This result represents advancements in the technological maturity of quantum communication systems and demonstrates a pathway towards the practical deployment of early-stage quantum networks both on Earth and in space.