Abstract:

Quantum technology is considered a key area for the future of communication and computing. Accordingly, it is crucial to focus the training and communication not only on university but also at lower educational levels. The DAAD-funded project MaQuerSPACE works on a toolbox for building quantum experiments based on DIY technology like 3d printing and off-the-shelf components, especially electronics and optics. Since the inherent used technology of photon emitters and detectors requires a low stray light environment, these kinds of experiments are usually enclosed. These “black boxes” are perceived as not very accessible and appealing, which is a problem in a learning context. We like to overcome this gap by developing a set of Augmented (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications, which allow users and students to immerse into and discover the experiment in a playful attractive manner.

Since the development of such apps would cost a significant amount of money, we implemented a method of community-driven development in the context of the university makerspace. Contrary to professional app developers, we are offering workshops, resources, and technology to physicists and other researchers to develop learning apps and content on their own. Besides the significantly lower costs, the content is actually provided by the professionals here and is often directly linked to current research and results. The skills acquired in this context can also be useful across disciplines in other areas such as prototyping, programming, or handling 3D research data.

We tested and evaluated various development platforms and tools for building applications with AR or VR content. The criteria applied range from accessibility (open source, low-cost, or subscription model), the learning curve for inexperienced developers, technical possibilities, and supported devices or platforms. Especially the last point is very relevant, as we cannot assume the target group to have access to a variety of devices. In the best-case scenario, we have set up and strive for, we are aiming for a rollout on conventional smartphones and tablets, that can also be used as VR devices with cardboard googles.

Currently, we have analyzed the feasibility of our method and tools around a reference project in form of a Hanbury-Brown-Twiss-Interferometer (HBTI) implemented with said DIY and low-cost means. The HBTI is a canonical experiment at university-level, which allows the audience to connect to abstract quantum phenomena such as correlation and entanglement. The AR application tracks an image attached to the outside of the enclosing of the HBTI and augments its content for the user. It shows the actual physical content, as well as descriptions and explanations in a graphically attractive, and appealing way. Since real-world photonic setups might be confusing for an unexperienced audience, the app allows switching off certain elements to only show relevant optical components and visualization of beam paths. In addition, the user can playfully generate single photons, which are shot through the experiment, explaining how the correlation measurement works.

In the future, we like to concentrate on a connection between the physical and virtual augmented experiments to visualize real-time data and results. We also try to build the app using open web-based Frameworks like WebXR to grant easy distribution and access without proprietary app stores.

Keywords:

Photonics, Open-Source, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Learning Apps.