arXiv subjects

Carrie Weidner

Publications and source records attributed to Carrie Weidner.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Democratising Optical Orbital Angular Momentum: a Set of Cost-Effective Tools

Classical and quantum optical communication has gained popularity and momentum in recent years, with growing investment and innovation in quantum technologies. However, the main teaching method in the education of quantum mechanics include mathematically intensive derivations or abstract analogies for the complex systems. We propose a "poor man's" spatial light modulator experiment that is an engaging and interactive learning aid for teaching quantum mechanics and optical orbital angular momentum. Fork diffraction gratings were created on photographic slide film by outsourcing to an external company, and so the gratings were easy and cheap to produce. A simple setup with a fork diffraction grating and a laser pointer successfully produces vortex beams that possess orbital angular momentum, allowing for orbital angular momentum to be easily observed and investigated in a teaching environment. How the tools can be used effectively to enhance learning is discussed, either as a demonstration or as an investigative scientific learning environment activity.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2026

Cloud parameter estimation for interacting BEC after time-of-flight

Experiments on Bose-Einstein condensates at finite temperature typically extract the system parameters, such as temperature, atom number, and condensed fraction from time-of-flight images taken after a free expansion time. This paper systematically examines the effect of repulsive interactions between the condensed and thermal atoms in partially condensed clouds on the expansion profile of the thermal cloud. An analytical expression for the expansion can be obtained only if the interactions between the Bose-Einstein condensate and thermal atoms are neglected, resulting in a Bose-enhanced distribution for the thermal component. Here, the deformation of the cloud due to interactions and the effects on estimated parameters are investigated by simulating the expansion using a ballistic approximation. By fitting the simulated expansion profiles with a Bose-enhanced distribution, the errors of using such a fit are estimated, and the results are explained phenomenologically. The simulation was also used as a fitting function for experimental data, showing better agreement of the extracted condensed fraction with the semi-ideal model than results from a Bose-enhanced fit.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2025

A Platform for Evanescently Trapping Rb-87 Using Silicon Nitride Strip Waveguides Buried in Silica

Cold-atom systems have emerged as a highly promising avenue for quantum-enhanced position, navigation, and timing applications. However, their wider adoption is currently hampered in part by the large footprint of the systems. In leveraging the miniaturisation possible through photonic integrated circuits, cold-atom sensors would be able to reach much wider commercial adoption. In this paper, we introduce a platform for evanescently trapping 87Rb using strip silicon nitride waveguides buried in silica using red- and blue-detuned fundamental and higher-order modes, providing a three-dimensional adjustable trap for BEC-based, chip-scale work in quantum science and technologies.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2025

Current and Future Directions for Responsible Quantum Technologies: A ResQT Community Perspective

Quantum technologies (QT) are advancing rapidly, promising advancements across a wide spectrum of applications but also raising significant ethical, societal, and geopolitical impacts, including dual-use capabilities, varying levels of access, and impending quantum divide(s). To address these, the Responsible Quantum Technologies (ResQT) community was established to share knowledge, perspectives, and best practices across various disciplines. Its mission is to ensure QT developments align with ethical principles, promote equity, and mitigate unintended consequences. Initial progress has been made, as scholars and policymakers increasingly recognize principles of responsible QT. However, more widespread dissemination is needed, and as QT matures, so must responsible QT. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the ResQT community's current work and states necessary future directions. Drawing on historical lessons from artificial intelligence and nanotechnology, actions targeting the quantum divide(s) are addressed, including the implementation of responsible research and innovation, fostering wider stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development. These actions aim to build trust and engagement, facilitating the participatory and responsible development of QT. The ResQT community advocates that responsible QT should be an integral part of quantum development rather than an afterthought so that quantum technologies evolve toward a future that is technologically advanced and beneficial for all.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2022

Quantum Games and Interactive Tools for Quantum Technologies Outreach and Education

In this article, we provide an extensive overview of a wide range of quantum games and interactive tools that have been employed by the community in recent years. The paper presents selected tools, as described by their developers. The list includes Hello Quantum, Hello Qiskit, Particle in a Box, Psi and Delta, QPlayLearn, Virtual Lab by Quantum Flytrap, Quantum Odyssey, ScienceAtHome, and The Virtual Quantum Optics Laboratory. Additionally, we present events for quantum game development: hackathons, game jams, and semester projects. Furthermore, we discuss the Quantum Technologies Education for Everyone (QUTE4E) pilot project, which illustrates an effective integration of these interactive tools with quantum outreach and education activities. Finally, we aim at providing guidelines for incorporating quantum games and interactive tools in pedagogic materials to make quantum technologies more accessible for a wider population.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2021

SciNote: Collaborative Problem Solving and Argumentation Tool

As educators push for students to learn science by doing science, there is a need for computational scaffolding to assist students' evaluation of scientific evidence and argument building. In this paper, we present a pilot study of SciNote, a CSCL tool allowing educators to integrate third-party software into a flexible and collaborative workspace. We explore how SciNote enables teams to build data-driven arguments during inquiry-based learning activities.

cs.CY↗

arXiv2020

Crowdsourcing human common sense for quantum control

Citizen science methodologies have over the past decade been applied with great success to help solve highly complex numerical challenges. Here, we take early steps in the quantum physics arena by introducing a citizen science game, Quantum Moves 2, and compare the performance of different optimization methods across three different quantum optimal control problems of varying difficulty. Inside the game, players can apply a gradient-based algorithm (running locally on their device) to optimize their solutions and we find that these results perform roughly on par with the best of the tested standard optimization methods performed on a computer cluster. In addition, cluster-optimized player seeds was the only method to exhibit roughly optimal performance across all three challenges. This highlights the potential for crowdsourcing the solution of future quantum research problems.

quant-ph↗