High-speed quantum networking by ship.
Networked entanglement is an essential component for a plethora of quantum computation and communication protocols. Direct transmission of quantum signals over long distances is prevented by fibre attenuation and the no-cloning theorem, motivating the development of quantum repeaters, designed to purify entanglement, extending its range. Quantum repeaters have been demonstrated over short distances, but error-corrected, global repeater networks with high bandwidth require new technology. Here we show that error corrected quantum memories installed in cargo containers and carried by ship can provide a exible connection between local networks, enabling low-latency, high-fidelity quantum communication across global distances at higher bandwidths than previously proposed. With demonstrations of technology with sufficient fidelity to enable topological error-correction, implementation of the quantum memories is within reach, and bandwidth increases with improvements in fabrication. Our approach to quantum networking avoids technological restrictions of repeater deployment, providing an alternate path to a worldwide Quantum Internet.
Center for Emergent Matter Science, RIKEN, Wakoshi, Saitama 315-0198, Japan.
Simon J
SJ
Devitt
Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, and Chemical and Quantum Physics, School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne 3001, Australia.
Andrew D
AD
Greentree
National Institute of Informatics, 2-1-2 Hitotsubashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8430, Japan.
Ashley M
AM
Stephens
Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan.
Rodney
R
Van Meter