Building an analog simulator of a photonic quantum computer with transparent tape, maple syrup, and cat lasers, and implementing first quantum algorithms in the classroom

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a low-cost, accessible analog photonic quantum computer simulator using everyday materials like tape and syrup, enabling hands-on quantum algorithm education.

Contribution

It introduces simple, inexpensive experimental setups using common materials to simulate quantum gates and algorithms for educational purposes.

Findings

Successfully implemented single-qubit gates with transparent tape and maple syrup.

Constructed two-qubit gates using calcite crystal and transparent tape.

Designed cost-effective experiments for teaching quantum algorithms.

Abstract

This work presents the implementation of single-qubit gates, including $R_x$ and $R_z$ gates realized using transparent adhesive tape, and $R_y$ gates obtained with optically active maple and agave solutions. These gates form the native gate set of a simple photonic system and are subsequently used to construct a Hadamard gate. Two forms of two-qubit gates are introduced using a combination of a calcite crystal and transparent tape. The setups employ both the polarization and the path degree of freedom of a photon as qubits, illustrating how readily accessible materials can be used to manipulate and transform the quantum information they convey. Calculations are performed to determine the birefringence of two different types of tape and to quantify the specific rotations introduced by multiple layers of transparent tape. Finally, simple algorithms and exercises are proposed for students. These experimental setups are designed to facilitate hands-on manipulation of quantum effects while lowering the barrier to accessing quantum systems, with total costs kept below \$50 CAD for the single-qubit gates and below \$100 CAD for all experiments combined. The configurations presented serve as an analog simulator of a photonic quantum computer: although the laser beams used can be described classically, all theoretical considerations and experimental procedures remain valid for quantized systems employing single-photon emitters and single-photon detectors.