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  • Open Access

Hybrid satellite-fiber quantum network

Yanxuan Shao1,2, Saikat Guha3,4,5, and Adilson E. Motter1,2,6,7,8,*

  • *Contact author: motter@northwestern.edu
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Phys. Rev. Applied 24, 024033 – Published 13 August, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/s94j-s9n6

Abstract

Quantum networks hold promise for key distribution, private and distributed computing, and quantum sensing, among other applications. The scale of such networks for ground users is currently limited by one’s ability to distribute entanglement between distant locations. This can in principle be carried out by transmitting entangled photons through optical fibers or satellites. The former is limited by fiber-optic attenuation, while the latter is limited by atmospheric extinction and diffraction. Here, we propose a hybrid network and protocol that outperform both ground- and satellite-based designs and lead to high-fidelity entanglement at a continental or even global scale.

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Phys. Rev. Applied 24, 024033– Published 13 August, 2025
  • Received 22 November 2024
  • Revised 15 June 2025
  • Accepted 18 July 2025
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