Work

Noncooperative Quantum Networks

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Existing protocols for quantum communication networks usually assume an initial allocation of quantum entanglement resources, which are then manipulated through local operations and classical communication to establish high-fidelity entanglement between distant parties. It is generally held that the resulting fidelity would increase monotonically with the entanglement budget. Here, we show that for noncooperative protocols, the resulting fidelity may decrease as more entanglement is added to a network with nonpure states. This effect results from a quantum analog of selfish routing and constitutes a potential obstacle to the optimal use of resources in large quantum networks.

Source: Physical Review Letters

DOI: 10.1103/253d-s68r

Authors: Yanxuan Shao, Jannik L. Wyss, Don Towsley, Adilson E. Motter

Institutions: Northwestern University, University of Basel, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Information and Cryptography

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative, Army Research Office

Awards: G3162985271, G6518383159