Brookhaven Lab and Stony Brook Demonstrate First US Free-Space Quantum Network Link Across 13 Miles
Brookhaven National Laboratory and Stony Brook University demonstrated a free-space quantum network link spanning 13 miles, reported as the first such link in the United States. The work was covered by Quantum Computing Report on August 22, 2026.
AI analysis — not reported by the source
What this could mean
- 0–2 yearsPlausible
This demonstration could enable a metropolitan-scale free-space quantum network testbed connecting Brookhaven, Stony Brook, and other regional nodes within the next two years.
A 13-mile free-space link requires stable pointing, tracking, and atmospheric compensation, all of which this demonstration likely validated. Extending the link to additional nearby nodes would rely on existing photonic sources and detectors, but weather and daytime operation remain preconditions that could be engineered around with current technology.
This is a brief. The day’s lead story carries the full analysis.