Stochastic Polarization Drift Model for Characterizing Quantum Networks

With the emergence of various quantum technologies, multiple entanglement-based quantum networks are being deployed in large-scale metropolitan areas. To support efforts in their development and further characterization of the quantum networks, we use discrete event simulations as a cost-effective development tool for network characterization, protocols, and optimization. In our work we focus on characterizing the impacts of polarization drift, a long-standing challenge when attempting to perform long-range entanglement distribution. We will present how we are utilizing stochastic rotations as a model for characterizing the effects of birefringence induced polarization drift on an entanglement-based quantum network.