Exploring Quantum Physics Through Hands-on Projects

The bookguides the reader in the construction and use of setups to reproduce the key experiments that have brought us to our current understanding of the quantum world. Importantly, all of the experimental equipment can be built out of relatively inexpensive materials that are readily available at the hardware store or from on-line vendors of electronic surplus. The book caters to a wide audience, ranging from science enthusiasts and undergraduate physics students, all the way through practicing physicists and engineers. The math simple, and clear explanations and analogies are provided to make the book accessible. The projects described range from simple measurements of Planck’s constant all the way to testing violations of Bell’s inequalities using entangled photons. The project descriptions are targeted to an audience with basic experience in electronic prototype construction. The circuits actually work, and the schematics are completely readable. Lastly, our book is not only a practical guide, but is also ideal as a textbook for an undergraduate Quantum Physics lab course. Every chapter includes a list of questions and lab experiments, and the accompanying Instructor’s Guide should facilitate its adoption as a lab textbook.