Despite recent advances in quantum repeater networks, entanglement distribution on a continental scale remains prohibitively difficult and resource intensive. Using satellites to distribute maximally entangled photons (Bell pairs) between distant stations is an intriguing alternative. Quantum satellite networks are known to be viable for quantum key distribution, but the question of if such a network is feasible for fault tolerant distributed quantum computation (FTDQC) has so far been unaddressed. In this paper we determine a closed form expression for the rate at which logical Bell pairs can be produced between distant surface code encoded qubits using a satellite network to supply imperfect physical Bell pairs. With generous parameter assumptions, our results show that FTDQC with satellite networks over statewide distances (500--999 km) is possible up to a collective clock rate on the order of 1 MHz, while continental (1000--4999 km) and transcontinental ($5000+$ km) distances run on the order of 10 kHz and 100 Hz, respectively.
Despite recent advances in quantum repeater networks, entanglement distribution on a continental scale remains prohibitively difficult and resource intensive. Using satellites to distribute maximally entangled photons (Bell pairs) between distant stations is an intriguing alternative. Quantum satellite networks are known to be viable for quantum key distribution, but the question of if such a network is feasible for fault tolerant distributed quantum computation (FTDQC) has so far been unaddressed. In this paper we determine a closed form expression for the rate at which logical Bell pairs can be produced between distant surface code encoded qubits using a satellite network to supply imperfect physical Bell pairs. With generous parameter assumptions, our results show that FTDQC with satellite networks over statewide distances (500--999 km) is possible up to a collective clock rate on the order of 1 MHz, while continental (1000--4999 km) and transcontinental (5000+ km) distances run on the order of 10 kHz and 100 Hz, respectively.
Practical fault-tolerant quantum computation requires a large number of physical qubits, posing a major challenge for scaling up individual quantum processors. Distributed architectures offer a promising solution by interconnecting multiple processors through quantum networks. However, remote Bell-pair generation remains technically demanding, making it essential to assess computational performance under limited communication resources. In this work, we present a comprehensive resource analysis of distributed fault-tolerant quantum computation using superconducting processors connected by microwave or optical links. We show that even a single physical communication channel per node can substantially reduce the physical-qubit requirements per node under experimentally motivated, forward-looking microwave-link assumptions of a 1 MHz physical Bell-pair generation rate and 90% fidelity, although at the cost of a roughly tenfold increase in execution time. Conversely, reducing the execution-time overhead requires substantially greater communication resources, including higher Bell-pair fidelities and extensive multiplexing. These results demonstrate the potential feasibility of distributed fault-tolerant quantum computation with limited communication resources and provide a quantitative basis for balancing quantum-link performance, processor size, and execution time.
A large scale quantum network requires the distribution of high-fidelity end-to-end entanglement. To overcome the range limitations inherent to terrestrial fiber, a leading architecture has emerged: satellite-based sources transmitting entanglement to quantum repeaters on the ground. By bridging the gap between abstract analytical frameworks and computationally heavy numerical simulations, this paper provides the first quantitative answer to the question of such a network's achievable performance with current and near-term space technology, while accounting for entanglement swapping and purification. This is achieved by integrating a detailed physical model of a satellite-to-ground link into an analytical entanglement resource estimation framework for quantum repeaters, enabling an optimization of the end-to-end entanglement rate. Our analysis, performed across leading quantum hardware platforms, shows that Low Earth Orbit satellite constellations combined with quantum repeaters employing Neutral Atom or Nitrogen and Silicon Vacancy qubits, could enable a global quantum network, distributing entanglement over distances up to 20,000 km, sufficient for connecting any two points on Earth. This work highlights the major bottlenecks in space and quantum hardware technologies, which need to be addressed, thereby guiding informed investments necessary for enabling a large scale quantum network.
Quantum repeaters and satellite-based free-space optical links are complementary technological approaches slated to overcome the exponential photon loss occurring in optical fibers and thus allow Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) at global scales. We analyse architectures where these approaches are combined and satellites are used as quantum repeater nodes to distribute entanglement to far-away optical ground stations. Here, we simulate dynamical, three-dimensional satellite-ground-station passes, going beyond previous investigations which typically consider static satellite links. Therefore, we numerically solve the equations of motion of the dynamic system consisting of three, low-Earth-orbit satellites separated in the along-track direction. The optical link model includes atmospheric attenuation, single mode fiber coupling, beam wandering and broadening, as well as adaptive optics effects. Analytical expressions for the Bell state measurement and associated error rates are derived for quantum memory assisted communications, accounting for exponentially decreasing retrieval efficiency and state coherence. We consider uplink and downlink architectures for continental and inter-continental connections and assess the influence of varying orbital elements on the expected. We also investigate alternative solutions for realising practically secure QKD networks in the near-term, whereby trusted nodes are only located in space and relatively inaccessible. By exploiting the newly introduced mode-pairing QKD protocol, we show that users located hundreds of kilometres from a ground station could establish a secure key with a satellite using well-established technologies and without requiring intermediate trusted nodes.
Spooky Action at a Global Distance − Resource-Rate Analysis of a Space-Based Entanglement-Distribution Network for the Quantum Internet
Recent experimental breakthroughs in satellite quantum communications have opened up the possibility of creating a global quantum internet using satellite links. This approach appears to be particularly viable in the near term, due to the lower attenuation of optical signals from satellite to ground, and due to the currently short coherence times of quantum memories. These drawbacks prevent ground-based entanglement distribution using atmospheric or optical-fiber links at high rates over long distances. In this work, we propose a global-scale quantum internet consisting of a constellation of orbiting satellites that provides a continuous on-demand entanglement distribution service to ground stations. The satellites can also function as untrusted nodes for the purpose of long-distance quantum-key distribution. We determine the optimal resource cost of such a network for obtaining continuous global coverage. We also analyze the performance of the network in terms of achievable entanglement-distribution rates and compare these rates to those that can be obtained using ground-based quantum-repeater networks.
Abstract Long-distance entanglement is a very precious resource, but its distribution is very difficult due to the exponential losses of light in optical fibres. A possible solution consists in the use of quantum repeaters, based on entanglement swapping (ES) or quantum error correction. Alternatively, satellite-based free-space optical links can be exploited, achieving better loss-distance scaling. We propose to combine these two ingredients, quantum repeaters and satellite-based links, into a scheme that allows to achieve entanglement distribution over global distances with a small number of intermediate untrusted nodes. The entanglement sources, placed on satellites, send quantum states encoded in photons towards orbiting quantum repeater stations, where ES is performed. The performance of this repeater chain is assessed in terms of the secret key rate achievable by the BBM92 cryptographic protocol. We perform a comparison with other repeater chain architectures and show that our scheme, even though more technically demanding, is superior in many situations of interest. Finally, we analyse strengths and weaknesses of the proposed scheme and discuss exemplary orbital configurations. The integration of satellite-based links with ground repeater networks can be envisaged to represent the backbone of the future quantum internet.
Satellite-based quantum repeaters are a promising means of reaching global distances in quantum networking due to the polynomial decrease of optical transmission with distance in free space, in contrast to the exponential decrease in optical fibers. We propose a satellite-based quantum repeater architecture with trapped individual atomic qubits, which can serve both as quantum memories and true single-photon sources. This hardware allows for nearly deterministic Bell measurements and exhibits long coherence times, without the need for costly cryogenic technology in space. We develop a detailed analytical model of the repeater, which includes the main imperfections of the quantum hardware and the optical link, assuming high-altitude ground stations, and consequently working in a regime of weak atmospheric turbulence. Our model allows us to estimate that high-rate and high-fidelity entanglement distribution can be achieved over intercontinental distances. In particular, we find that high-fidelity entanglement distribution over thousands of kilometres at a rate of 100 Hz can be achieved with orders of magnitude fewer memory modes than conventional architectures based on optical Bell state measurements.