Global-scale quantum networking using hybrid-channel quantum repeaters with relays based on a chain of balloons

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Liu, Pei-Xi, Lin, Yu-Ping, Zhou, Zong-Quan, Li, Chuan-Feng, Guo, Guang-Can
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Liu, Pei-Xi
Lin, Yu-Ping
Zhou, Zong-Quan
Li, Chuan-Feng
Guo, Guang-Can
author_facet Liu, Pei-Xi
Lin, Yu-Ping
Zhou, Zong-Quan
Li, Chuan-Feng
Guo, Guang-Can
contents Global-scale entanglement distribution has been a formidable challenge due to the unavoidable losses in communication channels. Here, we propose a novel backbone channel for quantum network based on balloon-based aerial relays. We demonstrate for the first time that the atmospheric disturbances in balloon-based channels can be almost eliminated through optimizing beam waist positions and employing a series of adaptive optics systems, which boosts the channel efficiency to -21 dB over a 10,000 km distance, outperforming satellite-based relays by 12 dB with same device parameters. We then propose a global-scale quantum networking scheme based on hybrid-channel quantum repeaters that combine ground-based quantum repeaters and balloon-based aerial relays. Servers are interconnected globally via a chain of balloons, while clients link to local servers through fiber connections, facilitating rapid client switching and network scalability. Our simulations, employing state-of-the-art Eu$^{3+}$:Y$_2$SiO$_5$ quantum memories and mature entanglement sources based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion, demonstrate an entanglement distribution rate in the sub-Hertz range between clients separated by 10,000 km. This approach offers a practical path toward global quantum networking in the near future.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2507_15178
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Global-scale quantum networking using hybrid-channel quantum repeaters with relays based on a chain of balloons
Liu, Pei-Xi
Lin, Yu-Ping
Zhou, Zong-Quan
Li, Chuan-Feng
Guo, Guang-Can
Quantum Physics
Global-scale entanglement distribution has been a formidable challenge due to the unavoidable losses in communication channels. Here, we propose a novel backbone channel for quantum network based on balloon-based aerial relays. We demonstrate for the first time that the atmospheric disturbances in balloon-based channels can be almost eliminated through optimizing beam waist positions and employing a series of adaptive optics systems, which boosts the channel efficiency to -21 dB over a 10,000 km distance, outperforming satellite-based relays by 12 dB with same device parameters. We then propose a global-scale quantum networking scheme based on hybrid-channel quantum repeaters that combine ground-based quantum repeaters and balloon-based aerial relays. Servers are interconnected globally via a chain of balloons, while clients link to local servers through fiber connections, facilitating rapid client switching and network scalability. Our simulations, employing state-of-the-art Eu$^{3+}$:Y$_2$SiO$_5$ quantum memories and mature entanglement sources based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion, demonstrate an entanglement distribution rate in the sub-Hertz range between clients separated by 10,000 km. This approach offers a practical path toward global quantum networking in the near future.
title Global-scale quantum networking using hybrid-channel quantum repeaters with relays based on a chain of balloons
topic Quantum Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.15178