Flexible quantum data bus for quantum networks

We consider multipath generation of Bell states in quantum networks, where a preprepared multipartite entangled two-dimensional cluster state serves as a resource to perform different tasks on demand. We show how to achieve parallel connections between multiple, freely chosen groups of parties by performing appropriate local measurements along a diagonal, staircase-shaped path on a two-dimensional cluster state. Remarkably, our measurement scheme preserves the entanglement structure of the cluster state such that the remaining state is again a two-dimensional cluster state. We demonstrate strategies for generating crossing, turning, and merging of multiple measurement lines along the two-dimensional cluster state. The results apply to local area as well as to long-distance networks.