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European Journal of Physics

Development and application of a LabVIEW-based teaching tool for quantum mechanics: visualization of wave-particle duality

Gerui Ge, Yi-Heng Wu, Li Hua Zhang, Xue Yuan Cai, Qi Lei Zhang

Published Mar 10, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract Quantum mechanics, the cornerstone of modern physics, is often perceived as abstract and complex, particularly by beginners, with regard to the wave-particle duality of microscopic particles. Traditional teaching methods often fail to foster an intuitive understanding of these concepts among students. Consequently, the search for more effective, interactive teaching tools has become a priority for educators. Our objective is to demystify complex quantum mechanical concepts, spark students’ interest in learning, and deepen their understanding, ultimately improving teaching effectiveness. In our research, we used LabVIEW software to develop a visual display and interactive simulation for double-slit interference and circular aperture diffraction experiments of electrons. This module allows students to simulate these experiments and adjust parameters, providing an intuitive observation of quantum behavior under various conditions. The results indicate that using the LabVIEW multimedia module significantly enhances students’ comprehension and interest in quantum mechanics, particularly with respect to wave-particle duality. We also employed the Feynman path integral idea to explain some of the simulation phenomena. This LabVIEW-based simulation not only renders abstract concepts more tangible and visual but also fosters active learning and experimental investigation. We posit that this study introduces a novel and valuable tool for teaching quantum mechanics and provides insights for the future of quantum mechanics education.

DOI
10.1088/1361-6404/ae5007

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Abstract Quantum mechanics, the cornerstone of modern physics, is often perceived as abstract and complex, particularly by beginners, with regard to the wave-particle duality of microscopic particles. Traditional teaching methods often fail to foster an intuitive understanding of these concepts among students. Consequently, the search for more effective, interactive teaching tools has become a priority for educators. Our objective is to demystify complex quantum mechanical concepts, spark students’ interest in learning, and deepen their understanding, ultimately improving teaching effectiveness. In our research, we used LabVIEW software to develop a visual display and interactive simulation for double-slit interference and circular aperture diffraction experiments of electrons. This module allows students to simulate these experiments and adjust parameters, providing an intuitive observation of quantum behavior under various conditions. The results indicate that using the LabVIEW multimedia module significantly enhances students’ comprehension and interest in quantum mechanics, particularly with respect to wave-particle duality. We also employed the Feynman path integral idea to explain some of the simulation phenomena. This LabVIEW-based simulation not only renders abstract concepts more tangible and visual but also fosters active learning and experimental investigation. We posit that this study introduces a novel and valuable tool for teaching quantum mechanics and provides insights for the future of quantum mechanics education.
Abstract The Mach–Zehnder interferometer has played an important role both in quantum and classical physics research over the years. In physics education, it has been used as a didactic tool for quantum physics teaching, allowing fundamental concepts, such as particle–wave duality, to be addressed from the very beginning. For a student to understand the novelties of the quantum scenario, it is first worth introducing the classical picture. In this paper, we introduce a new version of the software developed by our research group to deepen the discussion on the classical picture of the Mach–Zehnder interferometer. We present its equivalence with the double slit experiment and we derive the mathematical expressions relating to the interference pattern. We also explore the concept of visibility (which is very important for understanding wave–particle complementarity in quantum physics) to help students become familiar with this experiment and to enhance their knowledge of its counterintuitive aspects. We use the software articulated by the mathematical formalism and phenomenological features. We also present excerpts of the discursive interactions of students using the software in didactic situations.
Quantum mechanism is a more Abstract science.In order to display some principles and experimental results in quantum mechanics with a more intuitive way,the MATLAB software is used to build a visual platform for quantum mechanics,which can vividly demonstrate double-slit electron diffraction,quantum tunneling effects,the hydrogen atoms electron cloud and the Stark effect and so on.When the related physical parameters are inputted,the corresponding physical phenomena will display on the platform,which allow the students to obtain a more direct learning experience in study.
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The phenomenon of light duality is a fundamental concept in modern physics that states that light has a dual nature, namely as a wave and a particle. Understanding this concept often becomes a challenge in learning due to the limitations of laboratory facilities to directly observe interference and diffraction phenomena. This study aims to explore the concept of light duality through quantum interference simulations based on a virtual laboratory using PhET Interactive Simulations from the University of Colorado Boulder. The research was conducted in a descriptive-quantitative manner by varying three main parameters, namely the number of slits (1, 2, and 3), slit width (0.04–0.4 mm), and light wavelength (400–700 nm). Each configuration was systematically simulated to observe the resulting diffraction and interference patterns. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Shapiro-Wilk, Levene, Kruskal-Wallis tests, as well as one-way ANOVA to identify the relationship between optical variables and the characteristics of interference patterns. The research results indicate that with variations in the number and width of slits, light tends to behave like particles with concentrated intensity, whereas with variations in wavelength, the widening light-dark pattern demonstrates wave properties. These findings reinforce the concept of light duality and confirm the effectiveness of virtual laboratories as a learning medium for visually and interactively understanding complex quantum phenomena.
Abstract Quantum mechanics (QM) forms the most crucial ingredient of modern-era physical science curricula at undergraduate level. The abstract ideas involved in QM related concepts pose a challenge towards appropriate visualization as a consequence of their counter-intuitive nature and lack of experiment-assisted visualization tools. At the heart of the quantum mechanical formulation lies the concept of ‘wavefunction’, which forms the basis for understanding the behavior of physical systems. At undergraduate level, the concept of ‘wavefunction’ is introduced in an abstract framework using mathematical tools and therefore opens up an enormous scope for alternative conceptions and erroneous visualization. The present work is an attempt towards exploring the visualization models constructed by undergraduate students for appreciating the concept of ‘wavefunction’. We present a qualitative analysis of the data obtained from administering a questionnaire containing four visualization based questions on the topic of ‘wavefunction’ to a group of ten undergraduate-level students at an institute in India which excels in teaching and research of basic sciences. Based on the written responses, all ten students were interviewed in detail to unravel the exact areas of difficulty in visualization of ‘wavefunction’. The outcome of present study not only reveals the gray areas in students’ conceptualization, but also provides a plausible route to address the issues at the pedagogical level within the classroom.