Quantum Game Theory: An Application to Quantum Information Science

With the advent of quantum computing, there arises a need for a quantum network conducive for communication between quantum computers. In a functional system, users need to be able to reliably send information to each other without loss of information. When quantum information is sent at the same time on the same network channel, however, there is the possibility of interference, thus resulting in loss of information. In classical networks, game theory has successfully been applied to mitigate routing congestion due to its ability to find optimal strategies to increase successful outcomes in game play. In this research, we explore how quantum game theory, the fusion of game theory with quantum mechanics, can minimize congestion and optimize sending information inside a small asymmetric grid quantum network. More specifically, we investigate how the superposition and entanglement aspects of quantum mechanics can be used to increase the efficiency of routing inside a quantum network. Using the quantum network simulator, Netsquid, we test the feasibility of our approach in realistic scenarios. We quantify the benefits of applying quantum game theory to quantum routing and show how network errors can impact the probability of successful traffic control.