entanglet

Entanglet is a term used in discussions of quantum information theory to denote a localized unit of quantum entanglement. It is not an established standard but a proposed concept used to discuss the distribution and management of entanglement resources in quantum networks. The word combines entangle with the diminutive suffix -let, signaling its status as a small or unit resource.

Definition and interpretation vary. In many formulations, an entanglet refers to a two-qubit pure entangled state, often a Bell state, that serves as a basic resource for tasks such as quantum teleportation and superdense coding within a network of nodes. Other viewpoints treat an entanglet as an abstract amount of entanglement shared between subsystems, quantified by measures such as entanglement of formation or concurrence. The concept is therefore somewhat flexible and depends on the specific modeling framework.

Role in networks. In a quantum repeater or distributed quantum computing architecture, entanglets are described as the elementary links between adjacent nodes. Through processes like entanglement swapping and purification, multiple entanglets can be connected and improved to produce longer-range or higher-fidelity entanglement.

Operational considerations. Generating high-fidelity entanglets is technically challenging due to noise, losses, and decoherence. Practical use often involves purification or distillation protocols to enhance quality, along with error modeling and resource accounting for network optimization.

Limitations and usage. Entanglets are theoretical resources rather than tangible objects; they embody potential correlations that become real only through measurement. The term is not universally adopted, with some researchers preferring “entangled link” or “Bell pair.”