A Scalable Framework for Automation of Quantum Network Experiments

As quantum computing continues to progress, there is an increasing need for standardized quantum network technology [1], [2] to connect quantum computers together. Experimental testbeds are necessary in order to develop quantum network software and hardware. Building a scalable testbed for data center-level quantum networks requires overcoming numerous engineering and technical challenges in quantum communications, quantum processing and quantum storage. In this work, we describe a software framework for use with an all-photonic quantum networking testbed. This framework is designed for rapid development and capable of automated execution of quantum experiments. We introduce PnPQ, an open-source, unified driver library for hardware commonly used in quantum optical experiments. On top of this low-level hardware control library, we present software modules for controlling and coordinating quantum network nodes using remote procedure calls (RPC). Finally, we describe high-level software for performing and analyzing quantum photonic experiments using these software modules. As a whole, these software components comprise the first version of a framework that will enable us to implement and test quantum network architectures. This framework is intended to help us move forward from building simple experiments to complex Quantum systems.

I. Introduction

Performing quantum optical experiments, even at a small scale and for a limited number of experimental configurations, requires significant effort due to the fragility of the devices and sensitivity of the quantum effects employed. Preparation, adjustment, configuration, and analysis of experiments are time-consuming tasks. Additionally, in a quantum data center [3] network testbed, we need to be able to scale up the number of network and endpoint nodes. Finally, in order to support full utilization of the testbed, its infrastructure should be available in an almost continuous manner. Ideally, the platform should be available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.