Parallelized telecom-band quantum network using an ytterbium-171 fiber array

Long-distance quantum networking provides the foundation for secure communication, distributed quantum computing, and entangled quantum sensor networks. The neutral ¹⁷¹Yb atom is a promising candidate for both quantum computing and quantum repeaters, as its level structure enables high-fidelity quantum memories, gate operations, measurements, and strong coupling to telecom-wavelength photons. We present our recent work on generating atom-photon entanglement with ¹⁷¹Yb at 1389 nm, a wavelength with a fiber loss coefficient below 0.3 dB/km. We perform measurements using an unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer and demonstrate high-fidelity (raw > 90.2(8)%, SPAM-corrected > 96.1(8)%) time-bin encoded spin-photon entanglement. Additionally, by imaging our atom array onto an optical fiber array, we realize a parallelized networking protocol, offering an N-fold enhancement in remote entanglement rates. Finally, we show that coherence can be preserved on a memory qubit while executing networking operations on communication qubits. Our work represents a significant step toward integrating atomic processors and optical clocks into high-rate or long-distance quantum networks. Currently, we are working toward implementing a two-qubit gate via Rydberg interactions, which will pave the way for long-range quantum repeaters and clock networks.