Quantum computing, which uses quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the capabilities of classic computers, is a notoriously complex area of science that can appear impenetrable to anyone without an advanced degree in math.
So, is it possible to explain the basics of qubits and quantum entanglement to high school students without any prior knowledge 鈥� over just two days?
That was the goal of the new camp organized by volunteers from 麻豆传媒鈥檚 Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Held August 8-9 in the Sir James Dunn Building, the camp introduced 11 high schoolers to quantum computing concepts before having them team up and explore how the technology can be used in smart cities.
Funded by the Chairs for Inclusion in Science and Engineering (CISE-Atlantic鈥檚) program, the camp sought participants from equity-deserving groups in science, including girls and members of African Nova Scotian and Indigenous communities.听
Covering the basics
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鈥淲e assumed that most students wouldn鈥檛 know much about computer science,鈥� says PhD candidate Scott Wesley, the camp鈥檚 lead organizer along with his supervisor, Dr. Julien Ross. 鈥淭he first day tried to give students the basics without overwhelming them with mathematics.鈥�
Wesley points to new approaches in teaching, such as the book , that are more visual and picture-based. 鈥淭hey get rid of all the scary math, like matrices.鈥� The camp鈥檚 first day included lessons and activities presented by Dr. Ross, grad students Linh Dinh and Fahimeh Bayeh, and postdoc Dongho Lee that aimed to introduce key concepts in an accessible way.
Students also had the opportunity to experience using a real quantum computer, via the , and toured the lab space of Dr. Kimberley Hall鈥檚 Ultrafast Quantum Control Group in the basement of the Dunn Building.
After asking visitors to take off their shoes before entering the dust-sensitive environment, Physics & Atmospheric Science PhD student Jasleen Kaur Jagde walked students through quantum photonics experiments, explaining how single photon sources work and providing a demonstration of how mirrors reflect laser light.
Solving real-world problems
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What are some of the ways quantum technology can make our world a better place?
One is security. 鈥淵ou hear a lot about how quantum computing can break security, but it has the potential to make other things a lot more secure,鈥� says Wesley.
鈥淎 hot topic is how quantum computing can fit into smart cities and energy efficiency,鈥� he says, noting quantum technology is used in urban planning, such as managing traffic congestion.
On day two, students applied their newfound knowledge, working in teams to complete challenges related to how quantum computing can be used in smart cities, from where to place electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to how quantum sensors can improve weather forecasts.
鈥淭he challenges were more difficult, but with our guidance, they were able to build confidence in the concepts they had learned on the first day while improving their understanding,鈥� says Wesley.
Given that this was the first edition of the camp, he was pleased with how the two days unfolded. 鈥淭he students were very engaged throughout. We feel that the event was a great success.鈥�
A post-event comment received from a student summed up the camp鈥檚 goal of providing a crash course in quantum computing: 鈥淚 liked that we got to learn from the basic level and got opportunities to solve more complex, real world related quantum equations.鈥�
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