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arXiv:2607.20738

Interactive and accessible quantum key distribution modules for introducing students to quantum science and engineering

John M. Donohue, Silas Ifeanyi, Andrew Chisholm, Côté, Julien, Quazell Cunningham, Jamiel Nasser, Aaron Xayvongsa, Evangeline Dryburgh, Fiona Dang, Gabriel Ghrayeb, Ian Jinzo Macpherson, Fareed Rasheed, Andi Zhao, Simarjit S. Saini

Published Jul 22, 2026• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Teaching key concepts in quantum information science and technology benefits from hands-on activities that can engage students at all levels, especially high-school and undergraduate students. In this paper, we report on an educational kit for student exploration of quantum key distribution (QKD) via optical analogies that provides an affordable and highly interactive role-playing experience for students with minimal abstraction and direct connections to applications, key quantum concepts like superposition and measurement uncertainty, and student's pre-existing knowledge like light polarization. Manual and automated versions of the kit are detailed, as well as feedback from workshops with high-school students, undergraduates, and educators.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.2607.20738

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