Architecture for a quantum repeater based on Rydberg-atom quantum processors
Phys. Rev. Applied 24, 024052 – Published 21 August, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/8rss-rqr2
Abstract
Realizing large-scale quantum networks requires the generation of high-fidelity quantum entanglement states between remote quantum nodes, a key resource for quantum communication, distributed computation, and sensing applications. However, entanglement distribution between quantum network nodes is hindered by optical transmission loss and local operation errors. Here, we propose a quantum repeater architecture that synergistically integrates Rydberg-atom quantum processors with optical cavities to overcome these challenges. Our scheme leverages cavity-mediated interactions for efficient remote entanglement generation followed by Rydberg-interaction-based entanglement purification and swapping. Numerical simulations, incorporating realistic experimental parameters, demonstrate the generation of Bell states with 99% fidelity at rates of 1.1 kHz between two nodes in a local-area network (distance ), and can be extended to metropolitan-area () or intercity (, with the assistance of frequency converters) networks with a rate of 0.1 kHz. This scalable approach opens up near-term opportunities for exploring quantum network applications and investigating the advantages of distributed quantum information processing.