Research in quantum networks has given rise to a plethora of applications using the different aspects of quantum systems and correlations, in particular in the field of cryptography. Several initiatives around the world are now trying to push for the construction of small-scale quantum-networks, with the end goal of growing towards a global Quantum Internet. In this talk, I will give a perspective on what is expected from current and near-term quantum network architectures and present the main bottlenecks. Through simulations of both metropolitan and long-distance communication protocols, I will show different visions of how to build a quantum internet including both fiber links and free-space links using satellite or high-altitude platforms such as balloons. Finally, I will focus on the energetic cost of quantum communication protocols, present a method to estimate their energy consumption, and show some benchmarks.

Raja Yehia is a post-doctoral researcher at ICFO and a board member of the Quantum Energy Initiative