Quantum sensing networks (QSNs) embody a fusion of quantum sensing and quantum communication, achieving both Heisenberg precision and unconditional security through the exploitation of quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement. However, the scalability and sensing capability of QSNs in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era face challenges due to technological constraints, device imperfections, quantum noise, and dynamic sensing scenarios. Recent advancements in integrating quantum non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) and terrestrial networks (TNs) have paved the way for a global-scale quantum internet. Furthermore, leveraging variational quantum sensing (VQS), which capitalizes on hybrid quantum-classical computing, enhances quantum sensing capabilities. VQS tailors quantum sensing probes for dynamic sensing scenarios and noisy environments, significantly advancing application-specific NISQ sensing. We propose an integrated framework by combining VQS for optimal probe preparation and dynamic utility, as well as satellite-ground quantum networking for establishing on-demand entanglement across remote TN nodes. The integrated framework is advantageous over the standalone ground QSNs in terms of network scalability and sensing capability. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed framework, thereby introducing prospects for scalable and efficient quantum sensing on a global scale.
Quantum sensing networks (QSNs) embody a fusion of quantum sensing and quantum communication, achieving both Heisenberg precision and unconditional security through the exploitation of quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement. However, the scalability and sensing capability of QSNs in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era face challenges due to technological constraints, device imperfections, quantum noise, and dynamic sensing scenarios. Recent advancements in integrating quantum non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) and terrestrial networks (TNs) have paved the way for a global-scale quantum internet. Furthermore, leveraging variational quantum sensing (VQS), which capitalizes on hybrid quantum-classical computing, enhances quantum sensing capabilities. VQS tailors quantum sensing probes for dynamic sensing scenarios and noisy environments, significantly advancing application-specific NISQ sensing. We propose an integrated framework by combining VQS for optimal probe preparation and dynamic utility, as well as satellite-ground quantum networking for establishing on-demand entanglement across remote TN nodes. The integrated framework is advantageous over the standalone ground QSNs in terms of network scalability and sensing capability. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed framework, thereby introducing prospects for scalable and efficient quantum sensing on a global scale.
QSNs (QSNs) incorporate quantum sensing and quantum communication to achieve Heisenberg precision and unconditional security by leveraging quantum properties such as superposition and entanglement. However, the QSNs deploying noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices face near-term practical challenges. In this paper, we employ variational quantum sensing (VQS) to optimize sensing configurations in noisy environments for the physical quantity of interest, e.g., magnetic-field sensing for navigation, localization, or detection. The VQS algorithm is variationally and evolutionarily optimized using a genetic algorithm for tailoring a variational or parameterized quantum circuit (PQC) structure that effectively mitigates quantum noise effects. This genetic VQS algorithm designs the PQC structure possessing the capability to create a variational probe state that metrologically outperforms the maximally entangled or product quantum state under bit-flip, dephasing, and amplitude-damping quantum noise for both single-parameter and multiparameter NISQ sensing, specifically as quantified by the quantum Fisher information. Furthermore, the quantum anonymous broadcast (QAB) shares the sensing information in the VQS network, ensuring anonymity and untraceability of sensing data. The broadcast bit error probability (BEP) is further analyzed for the QAB protocol under quantum noise, showing its robustness—i.e., error-free resilience—against bit-flip noise as well as the low-noise BEP behavior. This work provides a scalable framework for integrated quantum anonymous sensing and communication, particularly in a variational and untraceable manner.
Quantum sensing networks (QSNs) are expected to play a critical role in quantum networks by achieving measurement precision unattainable with classical methods, leveraging quantum properties such as superposition and entanglement. Distributed quantum sensing, a key application of QSNs, can reach Heisenberg-limited precision scaling with the number of sensors involved. However, practical implementation faces significant challenges due to noise effects, complicating the optimal selection of sensor configurations. In this paper, we propose applying a variational quantum algorithm (VQA) combined with a genetic algorithm to efficiently mitigate noise in quantum sensing protocols and to identify high-quality sensor configurations. Performance analysis demonstrates that our approach outperforms traditional sensor configuration methods in single- and multi-parameter sensing scenarios under dephasing and amplitude damping noises, significantly improving quantum sensing accuracy and scalability.
Satellite imagery plays a crucial role in integrated satellite-ground remote sensing (SGRS), particularly in applications such as disaster management and military intelligence, where real-time monitoring and forecasting are essential for effective decision-making. However, narrow artificial intelligence (AI) models often face challenges in processing large-scale high-dimensional data efficiently while maintaining the required accuracy and speed, limiting their effectiveness in time-sensitive scenarios. To address these challenges, we explore the integration of satellite remote sensing with large AI, quantum computing, and quantum communication technologies, focusing on enhancing computational efficiency and data security in integrated SGRS systems. Specifically, we put forth an integrated quantum SGRS framework, which combines quantum fusion intelligence (QFI) with quantum anonymous communication (QAC). By integrating quantum and large AI, the QFI models enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and security of satellite imagery analysis while ensuring that the extracted information is transmitted to ground stations in a privacy-preserving manner using QAC. This approach is particularly effective in time- and privacy-sensitive scenarios. To demonstrate the effectiveness of QFI computing, we present case studies in disaster detection and environmental monitoring. This research highlights the transformative potential of quantum-large AI integration in SGRS and its implications for nonterrestrial-terrestrial quantum networks.
Due to optical fiber limitations for quantum communication, global-scale quantum networks are possible only by integrating non-terrestrial components in the overall network architecture. Quantum networks are expected to support distributed tasks for quantum information processing, such as quantum sensing, control, communication, and computing. These networks enable emerging applications that are uniquely quantum or augmented by quantum mechanics. Leveraging quantum resources, anonymous networking can be enhanced to such an extent that even an adversary with control over all network resources cannot trace the message source, achieving perfect untraceability . To provide this untraceable global connectivity, we demonstrate the integration of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) and terrestrial networks (TNs) for quantum anonymous communication (QAC), highlighting possible architectures and key challenges in these integrated NTN-TN quantum anonymous networks (QANs). To illustrate and benchmark the design of QAC protocols within integrated networks, we present essential quantum protocols such as anonymous conference key agreement (CKA) and anonymous broadcast. In the first case study, we propose a satellite-to-ground quantum anonymous CKA (QA-CKA) protocol and assess the anonymous key exchange rate. This QA-CKA protocol utilizes low Earth orbit satellites to generate anonymous keys among two distinct TN nodes. In the second case study, we develop an air-to-ground quantum anonymous broadcast (QAB) protocol and examine the anonymous broadcast announcement rate. This QAB protocol exploits unmanned aerial vehicles to enable a broadcasting party to transmit classical information anonymously across two distinct TNs. These QAC protocols are simulated with realistic integrated network parameters to provide practical estimates of achievable performance. Furthermore, we discuss future research directions for enabling integrated NTN-TN QANs.
Quantum technologies are increasingly recognized as groundbreaking advancements set to redefine the landscape of computing, communications, and sensing by leveraging quantum phenomena, like entanglement and teleportation. Quantum technologies offer an interesting set of advantages such as unconditional security, large communications capacity, unparalleled computational speed, and ultra-precise sensing capabilities. However, their global deployment faces challenges related to communication ranges and geographical boundaries. Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have emerged as a potential remedy for these challenges through providing free-space quantum links to circumvent the exponential losses inherent in fiber optics. Through the utilization of free-space optical (FSO) and Li-Fi links, NTNs provide an effective method for transmitting quantum states over extensive distances. This paper delves into the dynamic interplay between quantum technologies and NTNs to unveil their synergistic potential. We also investigate their integration challenges and the potential solutions to foster a symbiotic convergence of quantum and NTN functionalities while identifying avenues for enhanced interoperability. Specifically, quantum communication over NTNs imposes challenges in communication channel reliability, network flexibility, and scalability. To enhance channel reliability, multicarrier transmission techniques and spatial diversity strategies, including quantum MIMO (q-MIMO) transmission schemes, can be employed. Introducing the software defined networking (SDN) model facilitates flexible network configurations. In NTN-based quantum infrastructure, technologies like trusted relays, measurement device independent (MDI), and quantum repeaters can address scalability concerns efficiently. This paper not only offers useful insights into the mutual advantages but also presents future research directions, aiming to inspire additional studies and advance this interdisciplinary collaboration.
The quantum internet is envisaged to connect quantum systems at a global scale to provide diverse applications unimaginable with the classical internet. However, the technological shortcomings and practical challenges of noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices impose several constraints on the vision of a truly global quantum internet. Recent experimental developments for quantum networks are laying the pathway from small-scale to intermediate-scale noisy quantum networks dedicated to specific operational tasks. Although these networks are not at the global scale, they are capable of providing a clear quantum advantage in their dedicated tasks. We explore the cardinal features of these NISQ networks, discuss their design constraints, and explore the possible applications they provide. We also outline some technical challenges that need to be addressed for the practical implementation of these networks and eventually lead toward a truly global, fully functional quantum internet.