Merging-Based Quantum Repeater

We introduce an alternative approach for the design of quantum repeaters based on generating entangled states of growing size. The scheme utilizes quantum merging operations, also known as fusion type-I operations, that allow the reintegration and reuse of entanglement. Unlike conventional swapping-based protocols, our method preserves entanglement after failed operations, thereby reducing waiting times, enabling higher rates, and introducing enhanced flexibility in the communication requests. Through proof-of-principle analysis, we demonstrate the advantages of this approach over standard repeater protocols, highlighting its potential for practical quantum communication scenarios.