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arXiv:2111.10256 · IEEE/ACM International Workshop on Quantum Computing Software (QCS)

Illinois Express Quantum Network for Distributing and Controlling Entanglement on Metro-Scale

Wenji Wu, Joaquín Chung, Gregory S. Kanter, Nikolai Lauk, Raju Valivarthi, Russell R. Ceballos, Cristián Peña, Neil E. Sinclair, Jordan M. Thomas, Ely M. Eastman, S. Xie, Rajkumar Kettimuthu, Prem Kumar, Panagiotis Spentzouris, M. Spiropulu

Published Nov 1, 2021• 3 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We describe an implementation of a quantum network over installed fiber in the Chicago area. We present network topology and control architecture of this network and illustrate preliminary results for quantum teleportation and coexistence of quantum and classical data on the same fiber link.
DOI
10.1109/qcs54837.2021.00008

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The Illinois Express Quantum Network (IEQNET) is a program to realize metro-scale quantum networking over deployed optical fiber using currently available technology. IEQNET consists of multiple sites that are geographically dispersed in the Chicago metropolitan area. Each site has one or more quantum nodes (Qnodes) representing the communication parties in a quantum network. Q-nodes generate or measure quantum signals such as entangled photons and communicate the results via standard, classical, means. The entangled photons in IEQNET nodes are generated at multiple wavelengths, and are selectively distributed to the desired users via optical switches. Here we describe the network architecture of IEQNET, including the Internet-inspired layered hierarchy that leverages software-defined-networking (SDN) technology to perform traditional wavelength routing and assignment between the Q-nodes. Specifically, SDN decouples the control and data planes, with the control plane being entirely classical. Issues associated with synchronization, calibration, network monitoring, and scheduling will be discussed. An important goal of IEQNET is demonstrating the extent to which the control plane can coexist with the data plane using the same fiber lines. This goal is furthered by the use of tunable narrow-band optical filtering at the receivers and, at least in some cases, a wide wavelength separation between the quantum and classical channels. We envision IEQNET to aid in developing robust and practical quantum networks by demonstrating metro-scale quantum communication tasks such as entanglement distribution and quantum-state teleportation.
The Illinois Express Quantum Network (IEQNET) is a program to realize metropolitan scale quantum networking over deployed optical fiber using currently available technology. IEQNET consists of multiple sites that are geographically dispersed in the Chicago metropolitan area. Each site has one or more quantum nodes (Q-Nodes) representing the communication parties in a quantum network. Q-Nodes generate or measure quantum signals such as entangled photons and communicate the measurement results via standard, classical signals and conventional networking processes. The entangled photons in IEQNET nodes are generated at multiple wavelengths, and are selectively distributed to the desired users via transparent optical switches. Here we describe the network architecture of IEQNET, including the Internet-inspired layered hierarchy that leverages software-defined networking (SDN) technology to perform traditional wavelength routing and assignment between the Q-Nodes. Specifically, SDN decouples the control and data planes, with the control plane being entirely implemented in the classical domain. We also discuss the IEQNET processes that address issues associated with synchronization, calibration, network monitoring, and scheduling. An important goal of IEQNET is to demonstrate the extent to which the control plane classical signals can co-propagate with the data plane quantum signals in the same fiber lines (quantum-classical signal “coexistence”). This goal is furthered by the use of tunable narrow-band optical filtering at the receivers and, at least in some cases, a wide wavelength separation between the quantum and classical channels. We envision IEQNET to aid in developing robust and practical quantum networks by demonstrating metro-scale quantum communication tasks such as entanglement distribution and quantum-state teleportation.
Quantum networks scale the advantages of quantum communication protocols to more than just two distant users. Here we present a fully connected quantum network architecture in which a single entangled photon source distributes quantum states to a multitude of users [1] and our work scaling the network to a complete end to end metropolitan quantum network with 8 users [2] . Our network architecture optimises the resources required by each user without sacrificing security or functionality. We established several long-distance loopback connections and demonstrated extended stable operation with high secure key rates. Unlike previous attempts at multi-user networks, which have been based on active components, and thus limited to some duty cycle, our implementation is fully passive. Further, we present our efforts towards coexistence of 100 Gbps classical communication and all quantum channels used in the network over the same deployed optical fibres.