Session 07

Quantum information technology – a Practical Way to Teach Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics describes the behaviour of atoms, molecules, and other nano-scale devices and leads to remarkable phenomena that cannot be explained by our everyday intuition. Not only is quantum mechanics fascinating to experiment with, harnessing quantum phenomena can lead to technologies that are tremendously powerful, such as a quantum computer and unbreakable information security. Typically, the grade 12 physics curriculum introduces students to a cornerstone concept in quantum mechanics – the wave-particle duality – via the double slit experiment and the photoelectric effect. In this workshop, I will introduce a different, fully compatible, approach to teach the wonders of quantum mechanics and how it leads to a powerful technology: quantum cryptography. I will show how to introduce the wave-particle duality via two fascinating core concepts of quantum mechanics: the superposition principle and the uncertainty principle. Teaching the superposition principle will involve a hands-on activity that uses very affordable (less than $1) light polarizers. I will also explain a group activity, using nothing else than boxes and coins, to demonstrate quantum cryptography – a way to use the wave-particle duality to protect information in such a way that any attempt at eavesdropping is detected. These activities will be offered as part of a lecture that summarizes the differences between Newtonian and quantum mechanics, give an introduction to quantum information technologies and how they will play a central role in the technological landscape of the 21st century.

Biography

Martin Laforest is the Senior Manager, Scientific Outreach at the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo. Martin’s role is to bring science out of the lab and into people's lives. Martin leads IQC's strategic outreach programs including the prestigious Undergraduate School on Experimental Quantum Information Processing (USEQIP), the unique Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students (QCSYS) and the newly established Teaching Quantum Technology (TQT), a workshop aimed at high school teachers. He is also currently developing an online course on the mathematics of quantum mechanics and quantum information. Martin holds a PhD in physics (experimental quantum information) from the University of Waterloo. Martin is a passionate advocate for communicating science and shares his passion with audiences around the world as a guest speaker and lecturer.