What does it mean to see quantum mechanics?

Location

Shiley Center for Science and Technology, 230

Free

Quantum mechanics, as the theory that describes how matter behaves at the atomic scale, is crucial to a lot of modern physics research and current technologies, so it is important to teach it to physics students. However, the subject is often considered very mathematical and abstract, which may intimidate many capable students, potentially turning them away from the field. One way some instructors of undergraduate courses are trying to make the subject more concrete is by incorporating a sequence of quantum optics experiments into their courses, so students have the opportunity to see quantum phenomena themselves. In this talk, Dr. Victoria Borish will discuss education research investigating learning outcomes for students working with these experiments at a variety of institutions. First, she will discuss the landscape of these experiments, including how and why they are used in undergraduate courses. Next, she will present student and instructor ideas about why seeing quantum effects in experiments is important along with a discussion of what specifically contributed to students achieving related learning outcomes. Last, Dr. Borish will describe a plan for future research investigating best practices for using experiments to teach undergraduate students about the capabilities and limitations of quantum technologies. This work can help initiate conversations about how quantum experiments can be incorporated into the undergraduate physics curriculum.

All students welcome! Lunch will be provided.