Distributed Entanglement in Deployable Quantum Networks

Quantum networks exhibit enhanced performance compared to their classical counterparts, enabling secure communication and enhanced sensing protocols. Scalable quantum networks must transmit photons over distances ranging from kilometers to metropolitan scales while preserving entanglement. The objective of this thesis is to characterize the sources and switches of real-world deployed quantum networks, which require an intimate knowledge of nonlinear concepts and devices that drive these operating regimes. Importantly, quantum networks are deployed alongside existing classical communication infrastructure to ensure scalability and compatibility with established fiber-based systems. As a result, quantum and classical signals must coexist within the same telecommunication network. Because quantum infrastructure relies on optical fiber, these networks are susceptible to instabilities arising from fiber- induced effects. To fully realize a scalable quantum network, we investigated the quantum physical layer to optimize performance and identify limitations in our networking system. We characterized the performance of an entangled-photon source used to produce polarization-entangled photons. We then observe how well a high-speed, low-loss quantum switch preserves entanglement, demonstrating its utility for transmitting photons to different nodes in scalable quantum networks. We then analyze a 30 km deployed fiber located in the DC metropolitan area to examine how fiber-induced effects influence network performance. Quantum networks uniquely leverage quantum phenomena to enable fundamentally secure communication and distributed quantum computing beyond the capabilities of classical systems. To realize these advantages, careful characterization of the quantum physical layer and deployed fiber-based networks is essential, as it ensures the stability, reliability, and high-fidelity operation required for large-scale quantum network applications.

Author dc:creator

• Atiyya A. Davis (24399746)

• Quantum Networking

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.25417/uic.32994230.v1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:figshare.com:article/32994230