Simulations of Photonic Quantum Networks for Performance Analysis and Experiment Design

Abstract

This work models metropolitan-scale photonic quantum networks that use time bin encoding for quantum key distribution and quantum state teleportation. We develop and validate theoretical models by comparing them with prior experimental results. We use our newly developed simulator of quantum network communication, called SeQUeNCe, to perform simulations at the individual photon level with picosecond resolution. The simulator integrates accurate models of optical components including light sources, interferometers, detectors, beam splitters, and telecommunication fiber, allowing studies of their complex interactions. Optical quantum networks have been generating significant interest because of their ability to provide secure communication, enable new functionality such as clock synchronization with unprecedented accuracy, and reduce the communication complexity of certain distributed computing problems. In the past few years experimental demonstrations moved from table-top experiments to metropolitan-scale deployments and long-distance repeater network prototypes. As the number of optical components in these experiments increases, simulation tools such as SeQUeNCe will simplify experiment planning and accelerate designs of new network protocols. The modular design of our tool will also allow modeling future technologies such as network nodes with quantum memories and quantum transducers as they become available.