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Physics Education

Quantum computer games: Schrödinger cat and hounds

Michal Gordon, Goren Gordon

Published Apr 19, 2012• 17 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The quantum computer game ‘Schrödinger cat and hounds’ is the quantum extension of the well-known classical game fox and hounds. Its main objective is to teach the unique concepts of quantum mechanics in a fun way. ‘Schrödinger cat and hounds’ demonstrates the effects of superposition, destructive and constructive interference, measurements and entanglement. More advanced concepts, like particle–wave duality and decoherence, can also be taught using the game as a model. The game that has an optimal solution in the classical version, can have many different solutions and a new balance of powers in the quantum world. Game-aided lectures were given to high-school students which showed that it is a valid and entertaining teaching platform.

DOI
10.1088/0031-9120/47/3/346

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The quantum computer game ‘Schrödinger cat and hounds’ is the quantum extension of the well-known classical game fox and hounds. Its main objective is to teach the unique concepts of quantum mechanics in a fun way. ‘Schrödinger cat and hounds’ demonstrates the effects of superposition, destructive and constructive interference, measurements and entanglement. More advanced concepts, like particle–wave duality and decoherence, can also be taught using the game as a model. The game that has an optimal solution in the classical version, can have many different solutions and a new balance of powers in the quantum world. Game-aided lectures were given to high-school students which showed that it is a valid and entertaining teaching platform.
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The learning of quantum mechanics is contingent upon an understanding of the physical significance of the mathematics that one must perform. Concepts such as normalization, superposition, interference, probability amplitude, and entanglement can prove challenging for the beginning student. Several class activities that use a nonclassical version of tic-tac-toe are described to introduce several topics in an undergraduate quantum mechanics course. Quantum tic-tac-toe (QTTT) is a quantum analogue of classical tic-tac-toe (CTTT) and can be used to demonstrate the use of superposition in movement, qualitative (and later quantitative) displays of entanglement, and state collapse due to observation. QTTT can be used to aid student understanding in several other topics with the aid of proper discussion.
With the development of quantum computing and quantum information science, quantum games are emerging as a novel educational tool that helps students intuitively understand complex quantum concepts. This paper explores the application of quantum games in quantum education, with a focus on analyzing the rules, teaching design, and their impact on students' cognitive development in “Quantum Chess”. Quantum Chess integrates core concepts such as quantum superposition, entanglement, and measurement, allowing students to experience the unique phenomena of quantum physics during the game. In the future, further optimization of the integration of quantum games and education will be necessary to meet diverse learning needs and promote the broader application of quantum computing technology in the field of education.
Abstract Teaching and learning quantum mechanics is one of the most demanding educational and conceptual challenges, in particular in secondary schools where students do not possess an adequate mathematical background to effectively support the description of quantum behaviour. Educational research shows that traditional approaches, generally based on historical and narrative perspectives, are only partially effective. The reason is that they do not address in depth those basic quantum concepts that radically question the fundamentals of classical physics. A research-based educational program has been proposed to two final-year classes of an Italian scientific high school. In order to build the main concepts of quantum mechanics and their formal basic representation via real and simulated experiments, the program uses the light polarization as a context. A quantum game was then integrated in the educational program, to support students’ learning. Their conceptual paths, monitored by means of tutorials and questionnaires, show significant student learning especially on the concept of state and on appropriating the formalism meaning, whereas students more frequently referred to the geometrical vector representation instead of the algebraic-analytic formula. The quantum game has emerged to support intuition and operative experience in distinguishing the foundational concepts of superposition and entanglement.