Interactive tutorial to improve student understanding of single photon experiments involving a Mach–Zehnder interferometer

Abstract

We have developed and evaluated a Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorial (QuILT) on a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer with single photons to expose upper-level students in quantum mechanics courses to contemporary quantum optics applications. The QuILT strives to help students develop the ability to apply fundamental quantum principles to physical situations in quantum optics and explore the differences between classical and quantum ideas. The QuILT adapts visualization tools to help students build physical intuition about counter-intuitive quantum optics phenomena with single photons including a quantum eraser setup and focuses on helping them integrate qualitative and quantitative understanding. We discuss findings from in-class evaluations. PACS: 01.40.Fk, 03.65.-w, 03.67.-a, 07.60.Ly I.

Investigating and improving student understanding of quantum mechanics in the context of single photon interference

“…Since the development of the conceptual QuILT involving a MZI with single photons, we have also developed additional QuILTs which strive to help students integrate conceptual aspects of the MZI involving single photon inference with mathematical formalism using a two state system and a four state system involving photon path states and polarization states [21]. These QuILTs help students connect the qualitative understanding of single photon interference in a MZI with mathematical formalism using a product space for the photon path and polarization states.…”

“…Since few prior studies have focused on student understanding of the foundational topics in quantum mechanics in the context of quantum optics experiments [21] involving a MZI with single photons, it is important to investigate students' conceptual difficulties in order to use them as resources in the development of the learning tools to help students. Therefore, we conducted research on students' conceptual difficulties with the foundational topics in quantum mechanics such as wave-particle duality of a single photon, single photon interference, and the probabilistic nature of quantum measurement in the context of a MZI with single photons.…”

Focus on advanced optics—optical enlightenment

“…In that respect, the complementarity and synergy between classical ray optics, semi-classical or statistical optical physics, Maxwellian and quantum mechanical points of view are stressed in this issue [8][9][10][11][12], considered as constantly reinforced building blocks of contemporary optics, rather than as conflicting or even incompatible visions.…”

Investigating student difficulties with fine structure corrections to the energy of the hydrogen atom using degenerate perturbation theory

“…However, QM is a challenging subject for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in physics (e.g., see Refs. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]) and students often struggle with DPT. Here, we discuss an investigation of student difficulties with finding the firstorder perturbative corrections to the energy spectrum of the hydrogen atom due to fine structure which can be helpful in developing curricula (e.g.…”

“…Here, we discuss an investigation of student difficulties with finding the firstorder perturbative corrections to the energy spectrum of the hydrogen atom due to fine structure which can be helpful in developing curricula (e.g. Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorials (QuILTs)) to improve student understanding [9][10][11]14].…”