Optimizing Satellite-Based Entanglement Distribution in Quantum Networks via Quantum-Assisted Approaches

Satellite-based quantum networks leverage the advantageous properties of optical signals from satellites to ground stations, to enable the distribution of high-fidelity quantum entanglements over vast distances, thus circumventing the limitations of traditional terrestrial-based systems. However, the satellite-based entanglement distribution coupled with terrestrial quantum swapping in the space-terrestrial integrated network becomes very complex when considering the joint optimization with satellite assignment, resource allocation, and path selections. To tackle this issue, we introduce a hybrid quantum-classical Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition technique by leveraging the strengths of both quantum and classical computing, to solve the joint optimization problem. Through a series of experiments, the paper demonstrates the efficiency and robustness of the proposed methods in addressing large-scale network optimization and balancing qubit usage. The insights generated by this work offer valuable guidance for the design and implementation of satellite-based entanglement distribution for quantum networks, thereby laying the groundwork for the realization of a secure quantum communication infrastructure on a global scale.