InterQnet: a heterogeneous full-stack approach to co-designing scalable quantum networks

InterQnet aims to advance scalable quantum communications through a comprehensive approach that improves devices, error handling, and network architecture in a virtuous co-design cycle.

Our systems approach to scalable quantum communications integrates devices, error correction methods, protocols, architectures, and simulation/experimentation into two co-design/integration cycles.

Quantum networks have come a long way, from small-scale experiments to metro-scale demos. Scalability has become a significant challenge due to the increasing number and variety of nodes, the distance between them, the different types of applications, and the growing number of users.

InterQnet aims to advance scalable quantum networks through a comprehensive approach that improves devices, error handling, and network architecture. We pursue a two-pronged strategy to address scalability challenges.

In InterQnet-Achieve, we focus on practical realization of a heterogeneous quantum network by building and then integrating a prototype first-generation quantum repeater with an error mitigation scheme and a centralized automated network control system. The resulting system will enable quantum communications between two heterogeneous quantum platforms through a third type of platform operating as a repeater node.

In InterQnet-Scale, we focus on a systems study of architectural choices for scalable quantum networks by developing futuristic models of quantum network devices, advanced error correction schemes, and entanglement protocols. Then, we plan to perform complex simulations that combine architectural choices in SeQUeNCe, a quantum network simulator being developed at Argonne.