The first prototypes of quantum computers sparked interest in quantum computing and the basic principles of quantum mechanics. The education project on the physical bases of quantum computing is part of this context, based on the experimental description with virtual methods of the physical implementation of Di Vincenzo's first 5 principles. The computation process is implemented as transformations of qubits encoded in the polarization of optical photons. These transformations are implemented as quantum gates made as 3D virtual objects using Blender. In detail, the models of: Laser Ar +, PBS, HWP / QWP, BBO, APD, SMF, Control electronics are made. With the 3D models, a virtual laboratory has been created within CoSpaces where it is possible to become familiar with the basic processes of quantum computing: production of announced photons, transformation of a qubit, measurement of a qubit, production of entangled photons, transformation of two qubits, measure of two qubits. The realization of physical models to be used in the metaverse could fill the didactic void due to the absence of quantum optics laboratories.
The first prototypes of quantum computers sparked interest in quantum computing and the basic principles of quantum mechanics. The education project on the physical bases of quantum computing is part of this context, based on the experimental description with virtual methods of the physical implementation of Di Vincenzo's first 5 principles. The computation process is implemented as transformations of qubits encoded in the polarization of optical photons. These transformations are implemented as quantum gates made as 3D virtual objects using Blender. In detail, the models of: Laser Ar +, PBS, HWP / QWP, BBO, APD, SMF, Control electronics are made. With the 3D models, a virtual laboratory has been created within CoSpaces where it is possible to become familiar with the basic processes of quantum computing: production of announced photons, transformation of a qubit, measurement of a qubit, production of entangled photons, transformation of two qubits, measure of two qubits. The realization of physical models to be used in the metaverse could fill the didactic void due to the absence of quantum optics laboratories.
Abstract Quantum physics has revolutionized our understanding of information processing and enables computational speed-ups that are unattainable using classical computers. This tutorial reviews the fundamental tools of photonic quantum information processing. The basics of theoretical quantum computing are presented and the quantum circuit model as well as measurement-based models of quantum computing are introduced. Furthermore, it is shown how these concepts can be implemented experimentally using photonic qubits, where information is encoded in the photons’ polarization.
A methodical analysis of the basic problem related to quantum calculations of parameters of physical systems was made. Emphasis is placed on the physical principles of the operation of a quantum computer, with an emphasis on the fact that simultaneous access to all quantum states is important in quantum computing, which allows the simultaneous change of the quantum state from all superpositions in the qubit system. Emphasis is placed on the fact that in quantum algorithms the Fourier transform and the Hadamard transform are the basic operations - as a simple discrete Fourier transform. The reader's attention is drawn to the fact that quantum computing is primarily implemented in quantum objects with the properties of elementary NOT gates and controlled CNOT, which can be implemented on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer using the phenomena of photon interference and rotation of its polarization vector. Despite the progress of conventional computers, the need for the development of quantum computing is due to the technological limitation due to the dimensional quantization of the electronic spectrum and the exponential increase in the time of calculations by classical algorithms when the volume of data increases. However, the widespread use of quantum computers is limited by a number of problems. This is, first of all, insufficient accuracy and high sensitivity to external influences that can destroy the quantum state. Therefore, to increase the accuracy of calculations on a quantum computer, the calculation algorithm must be repeated a certain number of times, and to avoid the destruction of the quantum states of the qubit, low temperatures are used.
Teaching quantum mechanics at the secondary school level remains a major educational challenge. Traditional historical approaches often present the theory as a sequence of disconnected phenomena, requiring extensive prior knowledge of classical physics before students can appreciate the conceptual structure of quantum physics. In this work, we present the design, implementation, and evaluation of a curriculum based on the two state (qubit first) approach, in which the fundamental postulates of quantum mechanics are introduced through mathematically accessible two level systems and realized with light polarization. The curriculum integrates theoretical instruction, laboratory activities, a coherent progression grounded in the interactive simulations, and inquiry based learning into a coherent pathway that progresses from quantum states and superposition to entanglement and the experimental violation of Bell's inequalities. A distinctive feature of the project is the experimental realization of the violation of Bell's inequalities obtained in a newly established quantum optics laboratory in an Italian high school, where students performed, for the first time in Italy, an authentic Bell test using polarization-entangled photons. The same educational framework was adopted for in service teacher professional development courses. Learning outcomes were evaluated through mixed methods. Preliminary analysis indicates significant improvements in conceptual understanding, confidence in using mathematical formalism, and appreciation of the relationship between theory, experimentation, and the foundations of quantum mechanics. The proposed curriculum shows that two-state formalism and supported by real laboratory experiences enables secondary-school students to engage more meaningfully with both the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics and their experimental verification.
The evolution of quantum computing has created a pressing need to rethink how we introduce fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics and computation in education. Traditional classroom methods, based on classical teaching and theoretical ideas, often fail to effectively convey the unpredictable and strange nature of quantum systems. Simulating quantum environments offers a powerful strategy. It makes quantum principles more accessible, interactive, and engaging for learners at various educational levels. These simulated platforms, which include visual circuit builders and programmable virtual quantum computers, allow students to explore qubits, entanglement, and quantum gates without needing costly or experimental quantum hardware. This chapter examines the role of simulated quantum environments in reshaping STEM education, particularly in secondary and higher education. It starts by discussing the theoretical challenges of teaching quantum concepts, pointing out the limitations of classical analogies and rote calculations in promoting real understanding. Simulation tools help address these issues by providing hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
The experiments described in this thesis form an investigation into the path towards establishing the requirements of quantum computing in a linear optical system. Our qubits are polarisation encoded photons for which the basic operations of quantum computing, single qubit rotations, are a well understood problem. The difficulty lies in the interaction of photons. To achieve these we use measurement induced non-linearities. The first experiment in this thesis describes the thorough characterisation of a controlled-sign gate based on such non-linearities. The photons are provided as pairs generated through parametric down-conversion, and as such share correlations unlikely to carry over into large scale implementations of the future. En route to such larger circuits, a characterisation of the actions of the controlled-sign gate is conducted, when the input qubits have been generated independently from each other, revealing a large drop in process fidelity. To explore the cause of this degradation of the gate performance a thorough and highly accurate model of the gate is derived including the realistic description of faulty circuitry, photon loss and multi-photon emission by the source. By simulating the effects of the various noise sources individually, the heretofore largely ignored multi-photon emission is identified as the prime cause of the degraded gate performance, causing a drop in fidelity nearly three times as large as any other error source. I further draw the first comparison between the performance of an experimental gate to the error probabilities per gate derived as thresholds for fault-tolerant quantum computing. In the absence of a single vigourous threshold value, I compare the gate performance to the models that yielded the highest threshold to date as an upper bound and to the threshold of the Gremlin-model, which allows for the most general errors. Unsurprisingly this comparison reveals that the implemented gate is clearly insufficient, however just remedying the multi-photon emission error will allow this architecture to move to within striking distance of the boundary for fault-tolerant quantum computing. The utilised methodology can be applied to any gate in any architecture and can, combined with a suitable model of the noise sources, become an important guide for developments required to achieve fault tolerant quantum computing. The final experiment on the path towards linear optical quantum computing is the demonstration of a pair of basic versions of Shor's algorithm which display the essential entanglement for the algorithm. The results again highlight the need for extensive measurements to reveal the fundamental quality of the implemented algorithm, which is not accessible with limited indicative measurements. In the second part of the thesis, I describe two experiments on other forms of entanglement by extending the actions of a Fock-State filter, a filter that is capable of attenuating single photon states stronger than multi-photon states, to produce entangled states. Furthermore this device can be used in conjunction with standard wave-plates to extend the range of operations possible on the bi-photonic qutrit space, showing that this setup suffices to produce any desired qutrit state, thereby giving access to new measurement capabilities and in the process creating and proving the first entanglement between a qubit and a qutrit.
This educational module provides an accessible introduction to quantum computing and is designed as the first practicum in a broader series. The presentation covers the fundamental concepts required to understand the principles and potential of quantum computation, including qubits, superposition, entanglement, decoherence, quantum gates, the Bloch sphere, and measurement. It also introduces current hardware platforms such as superconducting, trapped‑ion, and photonic qubits. The module explains the structure of quantum circuits, the role of unitary operations, and the significance of quantum parallelism and quantum advantage. It includes visual metaphors (such as Schrödinger’s cat), conceptual diagrams, and examples of real-world quantum processors. The presentation also addresses common misconceptions about quantum computers and outlines ethical, social, and educational challenges associated with the development of quantum technologies. Version 0.3 includes improved structure, updated terminology, expanded explanations of quantum gates, and a fully revised English-language adaptation suitable for international audiences. The material is intended for students, educators, and early‑stage researchers entering the field of quantum information science.