Towards Real‐World Quantum Networks: A Review. Issue 3 (24th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wei, Shi‐Hai; Jing, Bo; Zhang, Xue‐Ying; Liao, Jin‐Yu; Yuan, Chen‐Zhi; Fan, Bo‐Yu; Lyu, Chen; Zhou, Dian‐Li; Wang, You; Deng, Guang‐Wei; Song, Hai‐Zhi; Oblak, Daniel; Guo, Guang‐Can; Zhou, Qiang
• Is Part Of: Laser & photonics reviews. Volume 16:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-01-24
• Subjects: quantum memory -- quantum entanglement -- quantum network -- quantum communication; Lasers -- Periodicals; Photonics -- Periodicals; Lasers -- Périodiques; Photonique -- Périodiques; 621.36
• DOI: 10.1002/lpor.202100219
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1863-8880

Abstract

Abstract: Quantum networks play an extremely important role in quantum information science, with application to quantum communication, computation, metrology, and fundamental tests. One of the key challenges for implementing a quantum network is to distribute entangled flying qubits to spatially separated nodes, at which quantum interfaces or transducers map the entanglement onto stationary qubits. The stationary qubits at the separated nodes constitute quantum memories realized in matter while the flying qubits constitute quantum channels realized in photons. Dedicated efforts around the world for more than 20 years have resulted in both major theoretical and experimental progress toward entangling quantum nodes and ultimately building a global quantum network. Here, the development of quantum networks and the experimental progress over the past two decades leading to the current state of the art for generating entanglement of quantum nodes based on various physical systems such as single atoms, cold atomic ensembles, trapped ions, diamonds with nitrogen‐vacancy centers, and solid‐state host doped with rare‐earth ions are reviewed. Along the way, the merits are discussed and the potential of each of these systems toward realizing a quantum network is compared. Abstract : Quantum networks linking multiple remote quantum nodes consist of quantum memories served as stationary quantum nodes and flying photonic qubits served as quantum channels. This review summarizes and discusses the state of the art and future challenges for constructing quantum networks in various physical systems like single neutral atoms, cold atomic ensembles, trapped ions, NV centers, and rare‐earth‐ion doped solids.