Single-satellite quantum repeater performance analysis

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Paterson, Cameron and Sidhu, Jasminder S. and Brougham, Thomas and McCarthy, Sarah E. and Oi, Daniel K.L. (2026) Single-satellite quantum repeater performance analysis. Other. arXiv. (https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2604.16165)

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Abstract

Space-based entanglement distribution has the potential to extend the range of quantum communication beyond that achievable through optical fibres that are constrained by exponential losses. Quantum repeaters have been proposed to mitigate the effects of channel losses for both fibre and satellite networks. Although quantum repeaters can improve entanglement distribution efficiency, the rate is constrained by classical communication latency in the entanglement swapping process. Direct dual downlink entangled pair distribution does not suffer such a latency restriction, hence can "brute force'' the problem of high dual channel loss through increased source rate. Hence, the comparative requirements of direct pair distribution versus quantum repeater satellites are important for the design and deployment of space-based entanglement distribution systems. Here, we consider the simplest case of a single satellite establishing entanglement between two ground stations, comparing the performance of direct dual downlink to that of a space-based quantum repeater for general overpass geometries. We also study the long-term entanglement distribution performance for different ground station pairs and determine altitudinal dependence. Finally, we study the fidelity distribution of a satellite repeater system through Monte Carlo modelling of waiting times and rate statistics, exploring the effect of quantum memory capacity, decoherence rates, and operational policies. These results will inform mission design for future space-borne quantum repeater nodes, as well as requirements on space-based memory platforms.

ORCID iDs

Paterson, Cameron, Sidhu, Jasminder S. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6167-8224, Brougham, Thomas ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9066-1771, McCarthy, Sarah E. and Oi, Daniel K.L. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0965-9509;
  • Item type:Monograph(Other)
    ID code:96106
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    17 April 2026
    Published
    Subjects:Science > Physics
    Department:Faculty of Science > Physics
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:27 Apr 2026 11:43
    Last modified:02 Jun 2026 02:07
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/96106
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