title: Functional quantum nodes for entanglement distribution over scalable quantum networks.
abstract: We demonstrated entanglement distribution between two remote quantum nodes located 3 meters apart. This distribution involves the asynchronous preparation of two pairs of atomic memories and the coherent mapping of stored atomic states into light fields in an effective state of near-maximum polarization entanglement. Entanglement is verified by way of the measured violation of a Bell inequality, and it can be used for communication protocols such as quantum cryptography. The demonstrated quantum nodes and channels can be used as segments of a quantum repeater, providing an essential tool for robust long-distance quantum communication.
authors.affiliation: Norman Bridge Laboratory of Physics 12-33, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
authors.forename: Chin-Wen
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: Julien
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Laurat
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Deng
authors.forename: Kyung Soo
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Hugues
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: de Riedmatten
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Felinto
authors.forename: H Jeff
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kimble