Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Education and Training in Optics and Photonics

Quantum mechanics in a quicker, more intuitive, and accessible way

Edward F. Deveney, Elif Demirbas, Samuel Serna

Published Jun 28, 2023• 4 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Quantum Mechanics in the headlines today captures the imagination of the public, deep wallets of investors and industries, and prioritizes academic and national research programs throughout the world. It all begins with superposition and entanglement. Canonical educational approaches, however, may not build the intuitive or the computational ability required of practitioners where quantum is center-stage. An APS News front-page article by Meredith Fore details and explores the current situation: ”The Newest Frontier: Building a Skilled workforce. Education in Quantum Mechanics has lagged for years. Experts are trying to change this.” Here we highlight innovations and experiences coupling our curriculum, advanced labs, and undergraduate research to best address these educational questions and skills-based needs. Our approaches are based on ready-available two-state, two-particle entangled light source table-top experiments and finite-dimensioned (familiar) vector spaces as opposed to infinitely dimensioned function-space solutions to differential equations with little intuitive connection and/or easy access to experimental experience. Our Physics and Photonics and Optical Engineering Quantum I course has migrated from a traditional text to one espousing these new directions (M. Beck. Quantum Mechanics, Theory and Experiment) and our experiments are centered around a commercially available educational entanglement source (Quantum Design, quTool’s quED) with avalanche single-photon detectors, coincidence electronics, with standard and add-on experiments that are in step with the text but, as a kit, come more student-ready. This approach may better promote quantum technologies, prepare scientists, technicians, and engineers, and offer deeper insight to what quantum is really telling us.

DOI
10.1117/12.2670760

Related papers

Quantum Mechanics

Arjun Berera, Luigi Del Debbio

Designed for a two-semester advanced undergraduate or graduate level course, this distinctive and modern textbook provides students with the physical intuition and mathematical skills to tackle even complex problems in quantum mechanics with ease and fluency. Beginning with a detailed introduction to quantum states and Dirac notation, the book then develops the overarching theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, before explaining physical quantum mechanical properties such as angular momentum and spin. Symmetries and groups in quantum mechanics, important components of current research, are covered at length. The second part of the text focuses on applications, and includes a detailed chapter on quantum entanglement, one of the most exciting modern applications of quantum mechanics, and of key importance in quantum information and computation. Numerous exercises are interspersed throughout the text, expanding upon key concepts and further developing students' understanding. A fully worked solutions manual and lecture slides are available for instructors.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Oct 21, 2021•1 citation

A Curriculum of Table-Top Quantum Optics Experiments to Teach Quantum Physics

Enrique J. Galvez

Abstract The rise of quantum information as a viable technology requires appropriate instructional curricula for preparing a future workforce. Key concepts that are the basis of quantum information involve fundamentals of quantum mechanics, such as superposition, entanglement and measurement. To complement modern initiatives to teach quantum physics to the emerging workforce, lab experiences are needed. We have developed a curriculum of quantum optics experiments to teach quantum mechanics fundamentals and quantum algebra. These laboratories provide hands-on experimentation of optical components on a table-top. We have also created curricular materials, manuals, tutorials, parts and price lists for instructors. Automation of the apparatus offers the flexibility of using the apparatus remotely and for giving access to a greater number of students with a single setup.

Journal of Physics Conference Series•Feb 1, 2023•5 citations

Quantum Entanglement

Arjun Berera, Luigi Del Debbio

Designed for a two-semester advanced undergraduate or graduate level course, this distinctive and modern textbook provides students with the physical intuition and mathematical skills to tackle even complex problems in quantum mechanics with ease and fluency. Beginning with a detailed introduction to quantum states and Dirac notation, the book then develops the overarching theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, before explaining physical quantum mechanical properties such as angular momentum and spin. Symmetries and groups in quantum mechanics, important components of current research, are covered at length. The second part of the text focuses on applications, and includes a detailed chapter on quantum entanglement, one of the most exciting modern applications of quantum mechanics, and of key importance in quantum information and computation. Numerous exercises are interspersed throughout the text, expanding upon key concepts and further developing students' understanding. A fully worked solutions manual and lecture slides are available for instructors.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Oct 21, 2021•0 citations

A First Course in Quantum Mechanics

Ahmad Amer

Based on years of teaching experience, this book provides a clearly structured and accessible introduction to the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, tailored for undergraduate students. The text builds a strong conceptual and mathematical foundation while promoting intuitive understanding and critical thinking. Students progress from basic concepts such as wave mechanics to more advanced topics within matrix mechanics. Complex concepts are presented in a diligent and understandable way, achieving a balance between conceptual insight and mathematical rigor without oversimplifying the subject. Thoroughly class-tested, this book is designed to support both classroom instruction and independent study. It will serve as a great tool for undergraduates studying introductory and intermediate quantum mechanics, as well as modern physics and quantum systems for engineers.

CRC Press eBooks•Nov 5, 2025•0 citations

Stories and Thoughts about Quantum Mechanics

Arjun Berera, Luigi Del Debbio

Designed for a two-semester advanced undergraduate or graduate level course, this distinctive and modern textbook provides students with the physical intuition and mathematical skills to tackle even complex problems in quantum mechanics with ease and fluency. Beginning with a detailed introduction to quantum states and Dirac notation, the book then develops the overarching theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, before explaining physical quantum mechanical properties such as angular momentum and spin. Symmetries and groups in quantum mechanics, important components of current research, are covered at length. The second part of the text focuses on applications, and includes a detailed chapter on quantum entanglement, one of the most exciting modern applications of quantum mechanics, and of key importance in quantum information and computation. Numerous exercises are interspersed throughout the text, expanding upon key concepts and further developing students' understanding. A fully worked solutions manual and lecture slides are available for instructors.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Oct 21, 2021•0 citations

Bridging a quantum-mechanical barrier [engineering education]

Roger E. Story

Most engineers need a basic understanding of quantum mechanics, and for this the typical college introduction is enough. Such an introduction tends to be axiomatic but physically unenlightening. The rules of quantum mechanics (QM) are a fait accompli; justified because they work. This is a good beginning, but those needing to learn more face a special quantum barrier: more advanced texts often continue in the axiomatic tradition. Infinite-dimensional spaces, amplitude vectors, matrices, and operators in lieu of momentum and energy-these and other concepts may be introduced with little rationalization or intuition. To an inquiring student, QM can quickly become bizarre; something to be manipulated but not understood. This need not be so. Here the authors present one teaching solution. They show that many of QM's key ideas can be reasoned out from just a few physical assumptions with mathematics that is low in dimension, linear and accessible to many. Some results include a simple reason for believing probability amplitudes are more natural to use than probabilities, the duality of functions as vectors and vice versa, an example of how a matrix, an operator and a physical value might be related, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and Schrodinger's equation.

IEEE Transactions on Education•Jan 1, 1998•3 citations
Quantum Mechanics in the headlines today captures the imagination of the public, deep wallets of investors and industries, and prioritizes academic and national research programs throughout the world. It all begins with superposition and entanglement. Canonical educational approaches, however, may not build the intuitive or the computational ability required of practitioners where quantum is center-stage. An APS News front-page article by Meredith Fore details and explores the current situation: ”The Newest Frontier: Building a Skilled workforce. Education in Quantum Mechanics has lagged for years. Experts are trying to change this.” Here we highlight innovations and experiences coupling our curriculum, advanced labs, and undergraduate research to best address these educational questions and skills-based needs. Our approaches are based on ready-available two-state, two-particle entangled light source table-top experiments and finite-dimensioned (familiar) vector spaces as opposed to infinitely dimensioned function-space solutions to differential equations with little intuitive connection and/or easy access to experimental experience. Our Physics and Photonics and Optical Engineering Quantum I course has migrated from a traditional text to one espousing these new directions (M. Beck. Quantum Mechanics, Theory and Experiment) and our experiments are centered around a commercially available educational entanglement source (Quantum Design, quTool’s quED) with avalanche single-photon detectors, coincidence electronics, with standard and add-on experiments that are in step with the text but, as a kit, come more student-ready. This approach may better promote quantum technologies, prepare scientists, technicians, and engineers, and offer deeper insight to what quantum is really telling us.
Designed for a two-semester advanced undergraduate or graduate level course, this distinctive and modern textbook provides students with the physical intuition and mathematical skills to tackle even complex problems in quantum mechanics with ease and fluency. Beginning with a detailed introduction to quantum states and Dirac notation, the book then develops the overarching theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, before explaining physical quantum mechanical properties such as angular momentum and spin. Symmetries and groups in quantum mechanics, important components of current research, are covered at length. The second part of the text focuses on applications, and includes a detailed chapter on quantum entanglement, one of the most exciting modern applications of quantum mechanics, and of key importance in quantum information and computation. Numerous exercises are interspersed throughout the text, expanding upon key concepts and further developing students' understanding. A fully worked solutions manual and lecture slides are available for instructors.
Abstract The rise of quantum information as a viable technology requires appropriate instructional curricula for preparing a future workforce. Key concepts that are the basis of quantum information involve fundamentals of quantum mechanics, such as superposition, entanglement and measurement. To complement modern initiatives to teach quantum physics to the emerging workforce, lab experiences are needed. We have developed a curriculum of quantum optics experiments to teach quantum mechanics fundamentals and quantum algebra. These laboratories provide hands-on experimentation of optical components on a table-top. We have also created curricular materials, manuals, tutorials, parts and price lists for instructors. Automation of the apparatus offers the flexibility of using the apparatus remotely and for giving access to a greater number of students with a single setup.
Designed for a two-semester advanced undergraduate or graduate level course, this distinctive and modern textbook provides students with the physical intuition and mathematical skills to tackle even complex problems in quantum mechanics with ease and fluency. Beginning with a detailed introduction to quantum states and Dirac notation, the book then develops the overarching theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, before explaining physical quantum mechanical properties such as angular momentum and spin. Symmetries and groups in quantum mechanics, important components of current research, are covered at length. The second part of the text focuses on applications, and includes a detailed chapter on quantum entanglement, one of the most exciting modern applications of quantum mechanics, and of key importance in quantum information and computation. Numerous exercises are interspersed throughout the text, expanding upon key concepts and further developing students' understanding. A fully worked solutions manual and lecture slides are available for instructors.
Based on years of teaching experience, this book provides a clearly structured and accessible introduction to the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, tailored for undergraduate students. The text builds a strong conceptual and mathematical foundation while promoting intuitive understanding and critical thinking. Students progress from basic concepts such as wave mechanics to more advanced topics within matrix mechanics. Complex concepts are presented in a diligent and understandable way, achieving a balance between conceptual insight and mathematical rigor without oversimplifying the subject. Thoroughly class-tested, this book is designed to support both classroom instruction and independent study. It will serve as a great tool for undergraduates studying introductory and intermediate quantum mechanics, as well as modern physics and quantum systems for engineers.
Designed for a two-semester advanced undergraduate or graduate level course, this distinctive and modern textbook provides students with the physical intuition and mathematical skills to tackle even complex problems in quantum mechanics with ease and fluency. Beginning with a detailed introduction to quantum states and Dirac notation, the book then develops the overarching theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, before explaining physical quantum mechanical properties such as angular momentum and spin. Symmetries and groups in quantum mechanics, important components of current research, are covered at length. The second part of the text focuses on applications, and includes a detailed chapter on quantum entanglement, one of the most exciting modern applications of quantum mechanics, and of key importance in quantum information and computation. Numerous exercises are interspersed throughout the text, expanding upon key concepts and further developing students' understanding. A fully worked solutions manual and lecture slides are available for instructors.
Most engineers need a basic understanding of quantum mechanics, and for this the typical college introduction is enough. Such an introduction tends to be axiomatic but physically unenlightening. The rules of quantum mechanics (QM) are a fait accompli; justified because they work. This is a good beginning, but those needing to learn more face a special quantum barrier: more advanced texts often continue in the axiomatic tradition. Infinite-dimensional spaces, amplitude vectors, matrices, and operators in lieu of momentum and energy-these and other concepts may be introduced with little rationalization or intuition. To an inquiring student, QM can quickly become bizarre; something to be manipulated but not understood. This need not be so. Here the authors present one teaching solution. They show that many of QM's key ideas can be reasoned out from just a few physical assumptions with mathematics that is low in dimension, linear and accessible to many. Some results include a simple reason for believing probability amplitudes are more natural to use than probabilities, the duality of functions as vectors and vice versa, an example of how a matrix, an operator and a physical value might be related, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and Schrodinger's equation.