Teaching Quantum Optics and Quantum Cryptography with Augmented Reality Enhanced Experiments

Abazi, Adrian; Schlummer, Paul; Lauströer, Jonas; Stuhrmann, Jochen; Borkamp, Rasmus; Pernice, Wolfram; Schulz-Schaeffer, Reinhard; Heusler, Stefan; Laumann, Daniel; Schuck, Carsten

Abstract

Recently, the Nobel Prize in physics was awarded for experiments with entangled photons, pioneering quantum technologies. To meet the growing demand of this field by furthering scientific comprehension of quantum physics and quenching misconception, especially about entanglement, new teaching approaches are required. Addressing this, we present a mixed reality quantum learning environment, by integrating commercially available AR-Headsets with a quantum optics setup for photon-pair generation and bell measurements. Students measure Bells inequality and conduct a version of the Ekert 91 quantum key distribution protocol. Simultaneously, visualizations of the underlying models and measurement results are rendered as holograms on appropriate locations of the optics setup. Dedicated actions, such as choosing a measurement basis, are reflected in the visualizations in real time. The learning environment has been implemented and is tested in undergraduate lab-courses. The components and software of the environment have been chosen to ease modifications and transfer.