Optimizing entanglement generation and distribution using genetic algorithms

Optimizing entanglement generation and distribution using genetic algorithms

Horta Ferreira da Silva, F. (TU Delft QID/Wehner Group; TU Delft QuTech Advanced Research Centre; Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft)
Torres-Knoop, Ariana (SURF, Utrecht)
Coopmans, T.J. (TU Delft QID/Elkouss Group; TU Delft QuTech Advanced Research Centre; Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft)
Maier, D.J. (TU Delft QID/Wehner Group; TU Delft QuTech Advanced Research Centre; Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft)
Wehner, S.D.C. (TU Delft Quantum Internet Division; TU Delft Quantum Information and Software; TU Delft QuTech Advanced Research Centre; Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft)

Quantum Internet Division

2021

Long-distance quantum communication via entanglement distribution is of great importance for the quantum internet. However, scaling up to such long distances has proved challenging due to the loss of photons, which grows exponentially with the distance covered. Quantum repeaters could in theory be used to extend the distances over which entanglement can be distributed, but in practice hardware quality is still lacking. Furthermore, it is generally not clear how an improvement in a certain repeater parameter, such as memory quality or attempt rate, impacts the overall network performance, rendering the path toward scalable quantum repeaters unclear. In this work we propose a methodology based on genetic algorithms and simulations of quantum repeater chains for optimization of entanglement generation and distribution. By applying it to simulations of several different repeater chains, including real-world fiber topology, we demonstrate that it can be used to answer questions such as what are the minimum viable quantum repeaters satisfying given network performance benchmarks. This methodology constitutes an invaluable tool for the development of a blueprint for a pan-European quantum internet. We have made our code, in the form of NetSquid simulations and the smart-stopos optimization tool, freely available for use either locally or on high-performance computing centers.

Entanglement distribution
Genetic algorithms
Optimization
Quantum internet
Quantum network
Quantum repeater
Repeater chain

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:213bb064-552f-4462-8a94-5b40c4f3c7c0

https://doi.org/10.1088/2058-9565/abfc93

2058-9565

Quantum Science and Technology, 6 (3)

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2021 F. Horta Ferreira da Silva, Ariana Torres-Knoop, T.J. Coopmans, D.J. Maier, S.D.C. Wehner