Abstract. We provide an extensive overview of a wide range of quantum games and interactive tools that have been employed by the quantum community in recent years. We present selected tools as described by their developers, including “Hello Quantum, Hello Qiskit, Particle in a Box, Psi and Delta, QPlayLearn, Virtual Lab by Quantum Flytrap, Quantum Odyssey, ScienceAtHome, and the Virtual Quantum Optics Laboratory.” In addition, we present events for quantum game development: hackathons, game jams, and semester projects. Furthermore, we discuss the Quantum Technologies Education for Everyone (QUTE4E) pilot project, which illustrates an effective integration of these interactive tools with quantum outreach and education activities. Finally, we aim at providing guidelines for incorporating quantum games and interactive tools in pedagogic materials to make quantum technologies more accessible for a wider population.

https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/journals/optical-engineering/volume-61/issue-8/081809/Quantum-games-and-interactive-tools-for-quantum-technologies-outreach-and/10.1117/1.OE.61.8.081809.pdf

Quantum games and interactive tools for quantum technologies outreach and education

As quantum technologies (QT) advance, their potential impact on and relation with society has been developing into an important issue for exploration. In this paper, we investigate the topic of democratization in the context of QT, particularly quantum computing. The paper contains three main sections. First, we briefly introduce different theories of democracy (participatory, representative, and deliberative) and how the concept of democratization can be formulated with respect to whether democracy is taken as an intrinsic or instrumental value. Second, we give an overview of how the concept of democratization is used in the QT field. Democratization is mainly adopted by companies working on quantum computing and used in a very narrow understanding of the concept. Third, we explore various narratives and counter-narratives concerning democratization in QT. Finally, we explore the general efforts of democratization in QT such as different forms of access, formation of grassroot communities and special interest groups, the emerging culture of manifesto writing, and how these can be located within the different theories of democracy. In conclusion, we argue that although the ongoing efforts in the democratization of QT are necessary steps towards the democratization of this set of emerging technologies, they should not be accepted as sufficient to argue that QT is a democratized field. We argue that more reflexivity and responsiveness regarding the narratives and actions adopted by the actors in the QT field and making the underlying assumptions of ongoing efforts on democratization of QT explicit, can result in a better technology for society.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2058-9565/acb6ae/pdf

Democratization of quantum technologies

Abstract. Virtual Lab by Quantum Flytrap is a no-code online laboratory of an optical table, presenting quantum phenomena interactively and intuitively. It supports a real-time simulation of up to three entangled photons. Users can place typical optical elements (such as beam splitters, polarizers, Faraday rotators, and detectors) with a drag-and-drop graphical interface. Virtual Lab operates in two modes. The sandbox mode allows users to compose arbitrary setups. Quantum Game serves as an introduction to Virtual Lab features, approachable for users with no prior exposure to quantum mechanics. We introduce visual representation of entangled states and entanglement measures. It includes interactive visualizations of the ket notation and a heatmap-like visualization of quantum operators. These quantum visualizations can be applied to any discrete quantum system, including quantum circuits with qubits and spin chains. These tools are available as open-source TypeScript packages – Quantum Tensors and BraKetVue. Virtual Lab makes it possible to explore the nature of quantum physics (state evolution, entanglement, and measurement), to simulate quantum computing (e.g., the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm), to use quantum cryptography (e.g., the Ekert protocol), to explore counterintuitive quantum phenomena (e.g., quantum teleportation and the Bell inequality violation), and to recreate historical experiments (e.g., the Michelson–Morley interferometer).

Visualizing quantum mechanics in an interactive simulation – Virtual Lab by Quantum Flytrap

With the increasing industrial relevance of new quantum technologies, a well educated quantum workforce becomes increasingly crucial. The foreseeable lack of workforce raises important questions. What are the expectations regarding the future relevance of second generation quantum technologies? What are the requirements for the workforce in the coming quantum industry? Which competences, knowledge and skills should the future employees have? In this paper, we report the results of our study that was aimed at mapping requirements and forecasts for the future quantum workforce. Our study consisted of three consecutive survey rounds. In total, we gathered $188$ responses from industry and academic experts across Europe. Our study results served as an input for the development of the European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies, delivered by the project QTEdu CSA for the European Quantum Flagship. In addition, we will discuss predictions from experts related to the future quantum workforce, including the expected industrial relevance of the main areas of quantum technologies, the need for educational efforts, and the expected influence of quantum technologies on everyday life.

Future quantum workforce: Competences, requirements, and forecasts

Abstract. The quantum optics/quantum information and nano-optics educational laboratory facility (QNOL) at the University of Rochester (UR) is located within three rooms of the Institute of Optics with a total area of 587  ft2. It has been used for teaching a 4-credit-hour QNOL class annually for 15 years. Four teaching labs were prepared on the generation and characterization of entangled and single (antibunched) photons demonstrating the laws of quantum mechanics: (1) entanglement and Bell’s inequalities, (2) single-photon interference (Young’s double slit experiment and Mach–Zehnder interferometer), (3) single-photon source I: confocal fluorescence microscopy of single nanoemitters, and (4) single-photon source II: a Hanbury Brown and Twiss setup, fluorescence antibunching. Further, based on QNOL, 1.5 to 3 h sturdy quantum “mini-labs” were developed and introduced into the required classes such that all optics students at the UR had experience with quantum labs. Monroe Community College (MCC) students participated in two mini-labs at the UR. Since 2006 to spring 2022, a total of ~850 students have utilized the labs for lab report submission (including 144 MCC students) and more than 250 students have used them for lab demonstrations. In addition, UR freshman research projects have become a very important educational activity in this facility. All developed materials and students’ reports are available at http://www.optics.rochester.edu/workgroups/lukishova/QuantumOpticsLab/. We present a description of sturdy, universally accessible experiments that can be introduced into either a separate advanced class or into classes with a large number of students. Assessment methods, evaluation of students’ knowledge, and their attitude toward their career in quantum information are discussed.

Fifteen years of quantum optics, quantum information, and nano-optics educational facility at the Institute of Optics, University of Rochester

Virtual Lab by Quantum Flytrap explores novel ways to represent quantum phenomena in an interactive and intuitive way. It is an online laboratory with a real-time simulation of an optical table, supporting up to 3 entangled particles. We have created a highly visual no-code interface and an introductory Quantum Game to make the Virtual Lab approachable for users without prior exposure to quantum mechanics. At the same time, a configurable sandbox mode with customizable elements makes it useful for students, lecturers, and scientists. Virtual Lab provides a way to explore exact quantum states, entanglement, and the probabilistic nature of quantum physics. We provide ways to simulate quantum computing (e.g. Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm), use quantum cryptography (e.g. BB84 protocol), explore counterintuitive quantum phenomena (e.g. quantum teleportation), and recreate historical experiments (e.g. Michaelson-Morley interferometer). Virtual Lab is available at: https://lab.quantumflytrap.com/.

Klementyna Jankiewicz

Papers

Quantum games and interactive tools for quantum technologies outreach and education

Visualizing quantum mechanics in an interactive simulation – Virtual Lab by Quantum Flytrap

Virtual Lab by Quantum Flytrap: Interactive simulation of quantum mechanics