Authors: R. Yang, A. Wonfor, V. Jain, E. Fazel, M. Clark, R. D. Oliveira, S. Bahrani, A. Mehrpooya, A. Olianezhad, M. Alhussein, S. Joshi, J. Rarity, R. Penty, R. Wang, and D. Simeonidou
Conference: Optical Fiber Communication Conference (OFC) 2025 – Post-deadline paper Th4C.7 Optica Publishing Group+1
đź”— Access the abstract/paper here:
https://opg.optica.org/abstract.cfm?uri=ofc-2025-Th4C.7
Summary:
This work presents the implementation of a nationwide heterogeneous quantum network in the UK. The network interconnects the metropolitan quantum networks at Bristol and Cambridge via a ~410 km quantum link, and supports both entanglement distribution (via the BBM92 protocol) and two separate discrete-variable QKD protocols.
The demonstration is a major milestone for quantum communications infrastructure: it shows multi-protocol quantum key distribution and entanglement distribution across long distances over standard fibre-optic infrastructure, paving the way for future large-scale quantum-secure networks.
Why it matters:
- Enables practical deployment of heterogeneous quantum network technologies at scale.
- Bridges lab-scale quantum links to national-scale quantum network infrastructure.
- Supports both entanglement and QKD protocols—key components of future quantum-internet architecture.
- Demonstrates UK’s leadership in quantum communications, and integration of multi-node quantum networks.
Congratulations to all collaborators! If you’d like to download the full paper or would like further details, please get in touch