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Unpublished Paper
Building Intuition for Quantum Information using 3D-Printing
(2021)
  • Louis R Nemzer
Abstract
Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize the fields of cryptography, optimization, and rational drug design. However, forming the proper intuition for quantum phenomena, even by experienced practitioners, is often difficult. This is due in large part to the impossibility of simple visualizations of even basic elements, such as two-qubit entangled states or complex time-varying spatial wavefunctions. This problem can be compounded by a lack of clarity of fundamental quantum and information theoretic principles, especially Bell’s Theorem and the definition of entropy. Here, examples of 3D-Printed visualizations – including of the von Neumann entropy of two-qubit states and the time-evolution of the probability density in an anisotropic harmonic oscillator – are used to help elucidate the underlying foundations of quantum information theory, and the distinction between quantum and classical correlations. With an emphasis on physical visualizations, this approach may lead to progress in both pedagogy and the design of quantum computers.
Keywords
  • Quantum Computing,
  • 3D-Printing,
  • Data Visualization,
  • Information Theory
Disciplines
Publication Date
Fall 2021
Citation Information
Louis R Nemzer. "Building Intuition for Quantum Information using 3D-Printing" (2021)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/lnemzer/56/