Work

Quantum Repeater Architectures in the Hollow-Core Fibre Era: Performance and Design Implications

Year: 2026

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Quantum repeater-based communication over standard single-mode fibre (SMF) is fundamentally constrained by attenuation and propagation delay. Recent advances in hollowcore fibre (HCF) offer significantly lower loss and higher propagation speed, making it a promising alternative, although nearterm deployment remains economically demanding. In this work, we investigate linear repeater architectures in the context of emerging HCF technology. We propose an evaluation framework that combines performance analysis with a cost-efficiency metric and examine three architectures: a homogeneous repeater chain, a three-node hybrid SMF-HCF configuration, and a metro-access hybrid design. All architectures are evaluated using the NetSquid simulation platform. Our results show that partial HCF deployment can significantly enhance secret key rate (SKR) in specific regimes. Furthermore, for homogeneous repeater chains, HCF-based deployments improve both performance and cost efficiency in most explored scenarios. These findings reveal key design trade-offs and provide practical guidelines for HCF integration in future quantum networks.

Source: International Conference on Quantum Communications, Networking, and Computing (QCNC)

DOI: 10.1109/qcnc69040.2026.00081

Authors: Sima Bahrani, Vaibhav Jain, Rui Wang, Dimitra Simeonidou

Institution: University of Bristol

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Information and Cryptography

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: green

Funder: Science and Technology Facilities Council