Robust entanglement buffers based on SWAP interactions

Abstract

Quantum entanglement is the essential resource for quantum communication and distributed information processing in a quantum network. However, the remote generation over a network suffers from inevitable transmission loss and other technical difficulties. This paper introduces the concept of entanglement buffers as a potential primitive for preparing long-distance entanglement. We investigate the filling of entanglement buffers with either one Bell state or a stream of Bell states via SWAP interactions. We illustrate their resilience to imperfect interactions, noise, and losses, making the buffers suitable for a realistic quantum network scenario. Additionally, larger entanglement buffers can always enhance these benefits.