Two-way quantum communication: Generalization of secure quantum information exchange to quantum network

The idea of secure quantum information exchange (SQIE) [J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 44, 115504 (2011)] is introduced for the secure exchange of single qubit information states between two legitimate users, Alice and Bob. In the present paper, we extend this original SQIE protocol by presenting a scheme, which enables the secure exchange of n-single qubit information states among the n nodes of a quantum network, with the aid of a special kind of 4n-qubit entangled state and the classical assistance of an extra participant Charlie. For experimental realization of our extended SQIE protocol, we suggest an efficient scheme for the generation of a special kind of 4n-qubit entangled state using the interaction between highly detuned I >-type three-level atoms and optical coherent field. Further, by discussing the various experimental parameters, we show that the special kind 4n-qubit entangled state can be generated with the presently available technology.