Integrated Satellite-Ground Variational Quantum Sensing Networks

Quantum sensing networks (QSNs) embody a fusion of quantum sensing and quantum communication, achieving both Heisenberg precision and unconditional security through the exploitation of quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement. However, the scalability and sensing capability of QSNs in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era face challenges due to technological constraints, device imperfections, quantum noise, and dynamic sensing scenarios. Recent advancements in integrating quantum non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) and terrestrial networks (TNs) have paved the way for a global-scale quantum internet. Furthermore, leveraging variational quantum sensing (VQS), which capitalizes on hybrid quantum-classical computing, enhances quantum sensing capabilities. VQS tailors quantum sensing probes for dynamic sensing scenarios and noisy environments, significantly advancing application-specific NISQ sensing. We propose an integrated framework by combining VQS for optimal probe preparation and dynamic utility, as well as satellite-ground quantum networking for establishing on-demand entanglement across remote TN nodes. The integrated framework is advantageous over the standalone ground QSNs in terms of network scalability and sensing capability. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed framework, thereby introducing prospects for scalable and efficient quantum sensing on a global scale.