Leeds researchers balance quantum repeater speed and reach

Javier Rey-Domínguez and Mohsen Razavi of the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Leeds have proposed a new approach to quantum repeaters, published August 21, 2026, in Quantum Science and Technology. The researchers address the challenge of long-distance quantum communication by prioritizing scalability, feasibility, and interoperability in their design. Their work details a solution using a hop-by-hop entanglement swapping approach and simple error detection, aiming to adapt to current Internet infrastructure without demanding overly complex physical devices. The paper reports how this method could enable trust-free continental quantum key distribution through staged development. A new quantum repeater design from the University of Leeds prioritizes practical implementation alongside distance,…