Quantum tic-tac-toe was developed as a metaphor for the counterintuitive nature of superposition exhibited by quantum systems. It offers a way of introducing quantum physics without advanced mathematics, provides a conceptual foundation for understanding the meaning of quantum mechanics, and is fun to play. A single superposition rule is added to the child’s game of classical tic-tac-toe. Each move consists of a pair of marks subscripted by the number of the move (“spooky” marks) that must be placed in different squares. When a measurement occurs, one spooky mark becomes real and the other disappears. Quantum tic-tac-toe illustrates a number of quantum principles including states, superposition, collapse, nonlocality, entanglement, the correspondence principle, interference, and decoherence. The game can be played on paper or on a white board. A Web-based version provides a refereed playing board to facilitate the mechanics of play, making it ideal for classrooms with a computer projector.
Quantum physics is the golden child of modern science. It is the basis of our understanding of atoms, radiation, and so much else, from elementary particles and basic forces to the behavior of materials. But for a century it has also been the problem child of science as it has been overwhelmed by intense disagreements between its inventors, strange paradoxes, and implications that seem like the stuff of fantasy. To understand the universe, quantum physics explores the behavior of the smallest particles in existence like quarks, electrons, and photons and which revealing a world that defies our everyday experiences and expectations. On the other hand, quantum mechanics (QM) is a fundamental theory in physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels, where classical physics fails to apply. However, the phenomena observed in QM can seem nothing short of miraculous. Physicists are trying to explain miracles of physics of universe meticulously which governed by precise scientific principles and mathematical equations. It is serious to modern technology, as its principles as well as wave-particle duality, superposition, and entanglement form the basis for electronics, computing, and medical technologies. The truth of QM in a scientific context refers to its exceptional ability to accurately describe and predict experimental results, not a philosophical ‘absolute truth’. Interestingly, the scientific elucidation of creation through quantum physics does not refute and contradict spiritual or religious narratives, rather augments our gratitude of the universe’s complexity and towards Almighty or Creator. The Bible’s or Quran’s account of creation provides a spiritual and philosophical outlook, accentuating purpose and intentionality. The precise explanations of particle behavior and cosmic formation in quantum physics, offers a balancing view grounded in empirical evidence. The purpose of this investigative study is to explore the scientific reality of QM and its purpose to depict the technical advancement for the development of modern civilization along with understand of universe in more logical way.
D eep in the heart of the topological world lives the Majorana fermion. There are several reasons the Majorana quasiparticle occu- pies a focal point within topological quantum matter. Of course, conceptually, it is a classical example of boundary mode that reveals the topological properties of the bulk, in this case a topological superconductor; an example that captures extremely well the very character of topological matter: simple yet subtle, hiding in plain view. But what enables the Majorana to play an important symbolic role is its conspicuous position at the crossroad that defines the new paradigm underlying the study of topological quantum matter. A child of particle physics, the Majorana was reborn in condensed matter physics and grew under the guidance of quantum computation. Lost before it was even found, it is fervently searched for in solid state and cold atom systems because it carries the promise to revolutionize the manner in which we process information and understand the foundations of the quantum world. Whether or not the Majorana will ever fulfill this promise is a minor detail; its main role is that of a legend, to give hope and move things forward. Practically, the search for zero-energy Majorana modes will play an important role in achieving the key condition for getting experimental access to topological quantum matter and quantum computation: an unprecedented level of control over quantum systems. At the time of this writing (spring 2016), the technological impact of these developments cannot be clearly foreseen.