The fourth edition of the “Entanglement Assisted Communication Networks” (EACN 2024) workshop took place from September 18 to 20 at the Technical University of Braunschweig, bringing together top minds from academia, research, and industry. This interdisciplinary event explored the cutting-edge potential of quantum entanglement to enhance classical communication systems. Topics such as quantum storage, simulators, entanglement generation, and quantum security were at the forefront of discussions. With a total of 50 internationally recognized experts in attendance, the workshop offered a unique platform for knowledge exchange on entanglement-assisted communication and established classical models.
Day 1: Practical Quantum Entanglement and Networking
The event kicked off with a compelling keynote by Prof. Fei Ding from Leibniz University Hannover, who shared insights into the practical challenges and advancements in quantum entanglement generation. Following this, participants engaged in a lively poster session, preceded by quick lightning talks that offered snapshots of ongoing research. The day concluded on a relaxed note with a joint barbecue evening, providing ample networking opportunities.
Day 2: Exploring the Benefits of Entanglement in Communication
Prof. Andreas Winter from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona delivered the main talk on the second day, discussing the profound advantages of entanglement-assisted communication in modern networks. His insights spurred dynamic conversations among attendees. In the afternoon, the group visited the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), where they attended an introductory lecture and toured several cutting-edge laboratories. The lab tour received glowing feedback, offering participants a hands-on view of real-world quantum research applications.
Day 3: Security and the Future of Communication
The final day turned its focus to the security dimensions of quantum communication. Intense discussions unfolded around post-quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution, and physical-layer security. The concluding panel discussion, featuring renowned experts such as Ángeles Vazquez-Castro (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona), Dan Kilper (Trinity College Dublin), Karolin Varner (Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy), and Marc Geitz (Telekom Deutschland), was a highlight. They delved into the future of secure communication, sparking thought-provoking dialogue on the evolving landscape of communication technologies.
A special mention goes to the research showcased under the 6G-life framework, with three talks and six poster presentations presenting groundbreaking findings.
EACN 2024 successfully bridged the gap between classical communication systems and emerging quantum technologies, opening up new avenues for research and collaboration in this rapidly evolving field.
