New Quantum Operators Bring Quantum Phenomena into Macro Domain for Intro Physics

We have invented a version of the Quantum Operators developed at Harvard in the ‘60s by Kostas Papaliolios*. They use an analogy with the behavior of polarized light in the macro domain to investigate the behavior of photons in the micro domain. This sparks hands-on learning of key quantum concepts by students in introductory courses.



Our Quantum Operators are implemented as two types of octagon-shaped blocks with various types of polaroid mounted inside and with the Dirac symbols on the outside of the eight sides. Experiments consist of arranging the blocks in a sequence with specific outside surfaces aligned and seeking to predict the relative intensity of light transmitted through the block sequence by manipulating and interpreting the Dirac symbols.



Experiments with the Quantum Operators stimulate thinking about the process of measurement and the inevitable interaction with the observer. Thus leading to an understanding of how measurement works in Quantum Mechanics and the key concept of quantum superposition.



We will provide a link to the files used to manufacture the octagons via 3-D printing.

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*J. F. Gauvin, “Playing with Quantum Toys: Schwinger’s Measurement Algebra …,” Phys. Perspect. 20 (2018) 8-42.