Budget Quantum Experiments...with Adrian

My Quantum Field Theory Explainer  •  Laser Experiments at Home  •  Quantum Random Number Generation  • Notes

Maxwell classically described electromagnetic waves as continuous fields, and Einstein described light as a wave-particle duality (photons). Einstein also proposed photons can have discrete energy levels. Broglie proposed that electrons also exhibit wave behavior while Bohr and SchrOdinger's work gave us the electron shell model of the atom with orbitals that describe how electrons are probablistically distributed.

Perhaps now is a good moment to connect with quantum mechanics and quantum field theory (QFT) that go into much greater detail in their descriptions of the way particles and waves behave, or fluctuate. QFT provides a more unified description of particle physics, including the behavior of electrons, photons, and other particles.

The refinement of QFT to the atomic orbital model suggests that electrons in an atom are not just particles, but also excitations of the quantum field that surround the atomic nucleus. The quantum field, including the electromagnetic field, mediate or maybe cause interactions between electrons and the nucleus. The electrons are thought to occupy specific orbitals due to the quantum field's configuration.

In the context of magnetic fields, Landau levels provide a specific example of a quantized energy system. The Landau levels arise from the quantization of the magnetic field's energy levels, which are determined by the magnetic field's strength and the charge carrier's properties. In quantum field theory, electrons are considered excitations of the quantum field, rather than just particles. This perspective provides a deeper understanding of the electron's properties and behavior.

The idea that electrons have properties related to quantum field disturbances is intriguing. Some of these properties might include:   *Quantum fluctuations*   Electrons, as excitations of the quantum field, are inherently connected to quantum fluctuations. These fluctuations can influence electron behavior, such as in quantum tunneling or the Lamb shift.   *Field-mediated interactions*   Electrons interact with each other and with other particles through the quantum field. This field-mediated interaction can give rise to phenomena like the Coulomb force, magnetic interactions, and even quantum entanglement.

  *Vacuum energy and electron properties*   The quantum vacuum, or the "empty" space around us, is teeming with virtual particles and fields. These vacuum fluctuations can affect electron properties, such as its mass, charge, and magnetic moment.   *Non-locality and quantum entanglement*   As excitations of the quantum field, electrons can exhibit non-local behavior, such as quantum entanglement. This phenomenon allows electrons to become connected in a way that transcends space and time.

  *Experimental Evidence*   While the concept of varying electron mass in the quantum vacuum is theoretically well-motivated, experimental evidence is still indirect.   *Lamb shift*   The Lamb shift, a phenomenon observed in physics, can be interpreted as evidence for the influence of virtual particles on electron energy levels.

  *Muon anomalous magnetic moment ( MAMM )*   The anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, a particle similar to the electron, can be seen as evidence for the influence of virtual particles on physical particle properties. Virtual-physical particle interactions could be possible evidence of inter-dimensional or higher-dimensional connections at the atomic scale.

A Muon is a SUB atomic particle, however it has a mass of approximately 206.77 times that of an electron. Keep in mind some sub-atomic particles are relatively heavy while occupying a tiny physical space, so they are interesting for scientists to study. They may have additional mass due to virtual particle interactions. It's a question.

The Muon *g-2* experiment is currently underway at the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois that aims to measure the MAMM with a final accuracy of at least 140 parts per billion.

(System Generated) USER COMMENT:      "Wow, thats nice (head spinning). But what does the Quantum Field have to do with me? I'm busy making dinner and I'm on a budget, and I don't have a lot of time to devote to this." Jemimahh, from Joondalup, WA.

REPLY (Adrian):      I'm so glad you asked that question because its time for... Budget Quantum Experiments at Home... with Adrian. You can actually observe quantum phenomena, in the kitchen while making dinner, you just need a laser pointer and the right kind of oven.

WARNING:      Experiments are done at your own risk. I am just a guy with an informative website. Anything you try at home is on you. If you open a portal to another dimension or there are any other other unforeseen consequences like arms reaching for you through the walls, or injuries from your home Quantum experimentation, thats your bag. I can not be held responsible for that because I’m just writing a webpage, ok. Plus I have my own experiments to deal with that have their own issues going on. Quantum science is very much on the leading edge so, If you do home quantum experiments try to take safety precautions and good luck! Oh, if you are under 18, get your parents permission, preferably beforehand. Haceb brand ovens worked well for me. They make an excellent oven.

Low Cost Home Quantum Field - Laser Experiments (suggestions):

1.*Single-Photon Interference*     Use a laser, beam splitter, and detectors to demonstrate single-photon interference, illustrating wave-particle duality.
2. *Quantum Eraser Experiment*     Create a quantum eraser setup using a laser, beam splitter, and polarizers to demonstrate the ability to "erase" quantum information.
3. *Entanglement Swapping*     Use a laser, beam splitter, and polarizers to demonstrate entanglement swapping, a fundamental concept in quantum information processing.
4. *Quantum Random Number Generation*     Utilize a laser, beam splitter, and detectors to generate truly random numbers based on quantum fluctuations.
5. *Laser Interferometry*     Use a laser, beam splitter, and mirrors to create an interferometer, demonstrating the principles of wave interference.
6. *Laser Diffraction*     Explore the diffraction patterns created by shining a laser through various apertures, illustrating the wave nature of light.
7. *Laser Speckle*     Observe the speckle pattern created by shining a laser on a rough surface, demonstrating the principles of wave scattering.

** ALERT ALERT - Safety Precautions **          
When working with lasers, ensure you follow proper safety protocols. Regarding laser safety...we all know what happened to Alderaan.

1. *Wear protective eyewear*     Use laser safety glasses or goggles to prevent eye damage. Please.
2. *Avoid direct exposure*     Never shine the laser directly into your eyes. It is generally a bad idea to shine beams of any description including lasers at any one else or their property. Rememeber Princess Leia and Alderaan.
3. *Use proper beam handling*     Ensure the laser beam is properly contained and directed to prevent unintentional exposure.

Princess Leia forgot to wear protective eyewear and her home planet was destroyed by a laser. You don't want that, so don't forget safety precautions when working with lasers.

Equipment for Home Laser Experiments

1.*Prism*     A prism is a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light. Prisms are often used to change the direction of light by refracting it or to disperse light, for example into color wavelengths.
2. *Beam splitter*    A beam splitter is an optical component that divides an incoming light beam into two or more separate beams.
3. *Dielectric coatings*     Thin layers of dielectric materials deposited on a substrate, which partially reflect and partially transmit light.
4. *Partial mirrors*     A partially reflective mirror that splits the incoming light into two beams.
5. *Polarizing beam splitters*     Split light into two beams based on their polarization states.
6. *Lasers*     Green or Red laser pointers will work.
7. *Detectors*     Discussed in greater detail below.

Adrian: I have a low power laser pointer but I need a beam splitter. I've had success making home made prisms to split disordered light, using containers of water. I've also used two layered glass as I'm a DIY home quantum experimenter with a passion for optics. My readers tell me they are on a budget and busy making dinner so...Now I'm experimenting on the oven door while attempting to make pasta - also an experiment - in order to inspire others to learn more about the Quantum Field.

When your OVEN DOOR becomes a BREWSTER's WINDOW or FRESNELS RHOMB for home quantum field research:

As Punky demonstrated in one of her episodes, you can create a simple *Brewster's window* or *Fresnel's Rhomb* using two layers of glass. Double layered glass, and glass with coatings are often found at home in the kitchen, as oven doors. (Don't confuse this with the other Punky episode regarding safety and refrigerater doors). Double layered or coated glass is useful due to the polarization-dependent reflection and transmission properties of the glass surfaces. In the kitchen we use these properties to contain the cooking heat while allowing light to pass through so you see whats cooking inside. In my home experiments I use the oven door's properties to split laser light, producing observable patterns that result from the quantum properties of light. Thanks Punky Brewster for your double glass oven door window, home quantum laser experiment tip..

These types of kitchen experiments can lead you down a slippery slope into the world of lasers and quantum science. There could also be effects on dinner if you are experimenting during meal preparation but that is beyond the scope of this page. However, there are some practical applications for home quantum experimenters looking for commercialization opportunities.

That's random Punky! Segway to: - Quantum Random Numbers and Next Level Security

TRULY Random Numbers:    
Truly random numbers, also known as "quantum random numbers" are generated using a physical process that is fundamentally unpredictable and irreproducible. This means that the numbers are:
1. *Unpredictable*     It's impossible to predict the next number in the sequence, even with complete knowledge of the system.
2. *Irreproducible*     The numbers cannot be reproduced or replicated, even if the same conditions are repeated.

Are your numbers random enough?    
Silicon chip generated random numbers, also known as "pseudo-random numbers," are created using algorithms that mimic randomness. These algorithms use:
1. *Deterministic processes*     The numbers are generated using a deterministic algorithm, which means that the same input will always produce the same output.
2. *Seed values*     The algorithm uses a seed value to generate the random numbers, which can lead to predictable patterns.

Laser-Based Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs) could offer a solution:

Using a laser and observing how it interacts with the Quantum Field, we can generate truly random numbers. Detectors and algorithms allow us to use the inherent randomness in quantum mechanics for different random number needs. Here's a quick overview:
1. *Laser beam*     Split a laser beam into two paths using a beam splitter.
2. *Photon detection*     Detect the photons in each path using photodetectors.
3. *Random bit generation*     Use the photon detection events to generate random bits (0s and 1s).
4. *Post-processing*     Apply post-processing techniques to ensure the generated bits are truly random and uniformly distributed.

Quantum Randomness:    
The laser-based quantum random number generator exploits the randomness inherent in quantum mechanics, specifically:
1. *Photon arrival times*     The arrival times of photons at the detectors are fundamentally random and unpredictable.
2. *Quantum fluctuations*     The laser beam's intensity and phase fluctuations introduce randomness in the photon detection events.

Laser-based quantum random number generators offer several advantages:
1. *Higher entropy*     Quantum random numbers have higher entropy than pseudo-random numbers, making them more suitable for applications requiring high randomness.
2. *Improved security*     Quantum random numbers are more secure than pseudo-random numbers, as they are less predictable and more resistant to attacks.
3. *Faster generation*     Laser-based quantum random number generators can produce random numbers at high rates, making them suitable for applications requiring rapid random number generation.

Laser-based quantum random number generators have various real-world applications:
1. *Cryptography*     Secure communication systems rely on high-quality random numbers for key generation and encryption.
2. *Simulation and modeling*     Quantum random numbers are essential for simulating complex systems, such as financial markets or weather patterns.
3. *Gaming and lottery systems*     Quantum random numbers can ensure fairness and unpredictability in gaming and lottery systems.

NEXT STEPS, for the Home Quantum Experimenter to produce a Home-Built QRNG:
1. *A low-power laser*     Such as a laser pointer or a laser diode.
2. *A beam splitter*     You can purchase a beam splitter or make a simple one using a glass plate. Or experiment with existing double layered glass objects like oven doors.
3. *Electronics and timing*     Use photodiodes or avalanche photodiodes. Utilize an Arduino or Raspberry Pi board for timing and data acquisition.