Quantum Circuit Switching with One-Way Repeaters in Star Networks

Conference Paper (2024)
Author(s)

Álvaro G. Iñesta (TU Delft - QuTech Advanced Research Centre, TU Delft - QID/Wehner Group, Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft)

Hyeongrak Choi (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Dirk R. Englund (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

S.D.C. Wehner (TU Delft - QuTech Advanced Research Centre, TU Delft - Quantum Computer Science, TU Delft - QID/Wehner Group, Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft)

Research Group
QID/Wehner Group
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1109/QCE60285.2024.00215
More Info
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Publication Year
2024
Language
English
Research Group
QID/Wehner Group
Bibliographical Note
Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.@en
Pages (from-to)
1857-1867
ISBN (electronic)
9798331541378
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Abstract

Distributing quantum states reliably among distant locations is a key challenge in the field of quantum networks. One-way quantum networks address this by using one-way communication and quantum error correction. Here, we analyze quantum circuit switching as a protocol to distribute quantum states in one-way quantum networks. In quantum circuit switching, pairs of users can request the delivery of multiple quantum states from one user to the other. After waiting for approval from the network, the states can be distributed either sequentially, forwarding one at a time along a path of quantum repeaters, or in parallel, sending batches of quantum states from repeater to repeater. Since repeaters can only forward a finite number of quantum states at a time, a pivotal question arises: is it advantageous to send them sequentially (allowing for multiple requests simultaneously) or in parallel (reducing processing time but handling only one request at a time)? We compare both approaches in a quantum network with a star topology. Using tools from queuing theory, we show that requests are met at a higher rate when packets are distributed in parallel, although sequential distribution can generally provide service to a larger number of users simultaneously. We also show that using a large number of quantum repeaters to combat channel losses limits the maximum distance between users, as each repeater introduces additional processing delays. These findings provide insight into the design of protocols for distributing quantum states in one-way quantum networks.

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