Simulation and emulation of quantum interconnects and optimized control plane for scalable quantum networks

The quantum internet will enable transformative applications with wide-ranging strategic technological impact, including physics-based secure communications, ultraprecise global positioning, high-resolution earth mapping with a satellite-cluster equipped with shared entanglement, and more. Recognizing this tremendous promise, in recent years, global efforts have emerged to pursue the realization of a quantum Internet capable of supporting distributed quantum computing, distributed quantum networked sensing, quantum cyber-security, and a wide range of quantum-enhanced applications. During this STTR we will investigate quantum interconnects and demonstrate an optimal control plane through an emulation approach, while addressing the issues of model abstraction and scalability. We will investigate routing and scheduling algorithms to support efficient distribution of quantum information, fundamental network designs and emulations of how to provide quantum communication and networking services to users, and algorithms for network monitoring and control.