A quantum network is very similar to a classical network (such as the internet), where we send and receive digital information. But unlike a classical network, a quantum network utilizes quantum bits, or qubits, to transmit and process information. By exploiting principles such as entanglement and superposition, it enables quantum communication protocols which can be applied to provide secure communication and enable distributed computing.

This course aims to provide you with an introduction to this new and exciting field. It will focus on protocol and application development and the simulation of quantum networks.

What makes this course stand out is the utilization of QuTech’s Quantum Network Explorer (QNE) to demonstrate the capabilities of quantum networks. Using the various simulation tools provided by the platform, you will be able to experiment with quantum network applications, enabling you to discover the possibilities that this new technology offers.

The course starts with a brief overview of quantum networks. After this, you will delve into the various tools offered by QNE, including the QNE Community Application Library (QNE-CAL), the QNE Application Development Kit (QNE-ADK), and SquidASM, an advanced application simulator developed by QuTech.

You will gain insight into established applications of quantum networks such as quantum key distribution (QKD), teleportation, and blind quantum computation (BQC). You will also have the opportunity to engage in hands-on exercises, through which you will learn to perform your own quantum network simulations by adjusting input parameters using an intuitive graphical user interface.

Further, you will learn how to modify existing applications and create new ones from scratch using QNE’s Application Development Kit (QNE-ADK). You will also receive a comprehensive tutorial on SquidASM, a software package designed for advanced simulations of quantum network applications.

If you have made it thus far, you have mastered essential tools for developing and investigating quantum networking applications and will have the opportunity to join a growing community of developers! Upon successful completion of the course, EU users (both audit and verified) are entitled to a QTIndu certificate.

This course was developed by a team of experts in quantum networking architecture and simulation software from TU Delft, drawing on the extensive expertise of leading experts in quantum technology from QuTech.

This project has received funding from the European Union's Digital Europe Programme under grant agreement no. 101100757.

This course has been developed with the support of the European-funded project QTIndu (Quantum Technologies courses for Industry). The aim of QTIndu is to provide a solution specifically tailored to the industry needs. Together with other 10 partners which include universities, research institutes and private companies, we are creating training courses in quantum technologies for professionals in industries. Learn more on qtindu.eu (https://qtindu.eu/).