arXiv subjects

James Wootton

Publications and source records attributed to James Wootton.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Procedural Generation and Games at the Dawn of Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing

Quantum computers have long been more of a toy for researchers than a tool for solving complex problems. However, recent advances in the field make exploiting the advantages of fault-tolerant quantum computers feasible in the next 5 to 10 years. It is now time to begin imagining how such devices could be used in practice for game development and deployment. In this work we identify procedural content generation as a very promising area of application and exploration. We examine a selection of algorithmic approaches used in classical procedural content generation and propose promising quantum algorithms that could provide an alternative approach or a computational advantage. We then end with a hypothetical game that exploits a recent quantum algorithm for computing the Jones polynomial exponentially faster than classical computers could.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Readout sweet spots for spin qubits with strong spin-orbit interaction

Qubit readout schemes often deviate from ideal projective measurements, introducing critical issues that limit quantum computing performance. In this work, we model charge-sensing-based readout for semiconductor spin qubits in double quantum dots, and identify key error mechanisms caused by the back-action of the charge sensor. We quantify how the charge noise of the sensor, residual tunneling, and $g$-tensor modulation degrade readout fidelity, induce a mixed post-measurement state, and cause leakage from the computational subspace. For state-of-the-art systems with strong spin-orbit interaction and electrically tunable $g$-tensors, we identify a readout sweet spot, that is, a special device configuration where readout is closest to projective. Our framework provides a foundation for developing effective readout error mitigation strategies, with broad applications for optimizing readout performance for a variety of charge-sensing techniques, advancing quantum protocols, and improving adaptive circuits for error correction.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Quantum Natural Language Generation on Near-Term Devices

The emergence of noisy medium-scale quantum devices has led to proof-of-concept applications for quantum computing in various domains. Examples include Natural Language Processing (NLP) where sentence classification experiments have been carried out, as well as procedural generation, where tasks such as geopolitical map creation, and image manipulation have been performed. We explore applications at the intersection of these two areas by designing a hybrid quantum-classical algorithm for sentence generation. Our algorithm is based on the well-known simulated annealing technique for combinatorial optimisation. An implementation is provided and used to demonstrate successful sentence generation on both simulated and real quantum hardware. A variant of our algorithm can also be used for music generation. This paper aims to be self-contained, introducing all the necessary background on NLP and quantum computing along the way.

quant-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↗

arXiv2022

Defining Quantum Games

In this research article, we survey existing quantum physics-related games and, based on this survey, propose a definition for the concept of quantum games. We define a quantum game as any type of rule-based game that either employs the principles of quantum physics or references quantum phenomena or the theory of quantum physics through any of three proposed dimensions: the perceivable dimension of quantum physics, the dimension of quantum technologies, and the dimension of scientific purposes, such as citizen science or education. We also discuss the concept of quantum computer games, which are games on quantum computers, as well as definitions for the concept of science games. Various games explore quantum physics and quantum computing through digital, analogue, and hybrid means, with various incentives driving their development. As interest in games as educational tools for supporting quantum literacy grows, understanding the diverse landscape of quantum games becomes increasingly important. We propose that the three dimensions of quantum games identified in this article be used for designing, analysing, and defining the phenomenon of quantum games.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Qiskit Backend Specifications for OpenQASM and OpenPulse Experiments

As interest in quantum computing grows, there is a pressing need for standardized API's so that algorithm designers, circuit designers, and physicists can be provided a common reference frame for designing, executing, and optimizing experiments. There is also a need for a language specification that goes beyond gates and allows users to specify the time dynamics of a quantum experiment and recover the time dynamics of the output. In this document we provide a specification for a common interface to backends (simulators and experiments) and a standarized data structure (Qobj --- quantum object) for sending experiments to those backends via Qiskit. We also introduce OpenPulse, a language for specifying pulse level control (i.e. control of the continuous time dynamics) of a general quantum device independent of the specific hardware implementation.

quant-ph↗