Multipath entanglement purification strategies for quantum networks

Abstract

In quantum networks multipath entanglement purification (MEP) between a pair of source-destination nodes can substantially strengthen their entanglement connection. An efficient MEP strategy can therefore increase the size of the network region where bipartite entanglement based quantum information processing tasks can be implemented. Here, we analyse MEP in a general model of a quantum network and obtain design criteria for efficient MEP strategies. Further, by simulating two different MEP strategies, based on these criteria, on different underlying network topologies we explore how the topology determines the effectiveness of a fixed MEP strategy. Finally, we show that a careful choice of MEP strategy can make the entanglement connection strength between source-destination network nodes effectively independent of its topology. Our results can therefore provide a useful guide for the design of quantum networks and entanglement distribution protocols.