Quantum mechanics was (arguably) the most exciting scientific discovery of the 20th century, and over the last few decades, our understanding has become mature enough such that we are now able to leverage quantum effects for practical applications. The quantum communications, sensing, and computing markets are all growing extremely rapidly, with compound annual growth rates north of 30%. Moreover, unlike the majority of traditional software development, these technologies will significantly and permanently change the way in which we communicate, interface with our environment, and understand the fundamental laws of our universe.

The quantum devices of the future will depend on the precise engineering of quantum effects, and a deep understanding of the underlying theory is paramount to the development of these applications. Yet despite this explosive growth, the idea of quantum science remains a novelty in the eye of the public. Quantum science is often used colloquially as a metaphorical device for something overly complicated or difficult to understand, and is studied seriously only by university students in chemistry and physics (and even then only in the later years of their education). Even the majority of universities do not provide adequate quantum-centric labs to their STEM undergraduates – at best, students are able to perform one of the old canonical quantum experiments, such as Millikan’s oil drop or the Stern-Gerlach experiment. While important, none of these experiments provide students with an understanding of how quantum information can and will be used as a central feature of future technologies.

OpenQuantum aims to provide an open-source, low cost platform for quantum information experiments, using ultracold atoms. Tangibly, OpenQuantum will initially consist of a detailed guide on how to construct a magneto-optical trap for ultracold atoms. The magneto-optical trap is a (Nobel prize winning!) apparatus that allows for the precise control and manipulation of atoms cooled to less just a millionth of a degree above absolute zero. This then allows for these cold atoms to be trapped by lasers and used as individual of quanta of matter by leveraging their spin states (e.g. by ‘encoding’ the ground state of the atom as a “0” and any excited state as a “1”), which means that a wide variety of quantum information experiments can be run using this platform. This apparatus is straightforward in principle, consisting of two subsystems: a small optical system and a vacuum chamber. However, there are various implementation details that add a high level of complexity and challenge to the build process, which we will be documenting in depth.

Specifically, the OpenQuantum open-source project will include full CAD models, machining guides, circuit schematics, EAGLE PCB layouts, Gerber files, microcontroller firmware, and control software. It will also provide guides on how to run experiments with a magneto-optical trap, such as trapping an array of cold atoms, entangling two atoms into a Bell pair, or constructing an atomic mirror. Subsequently, I will manufacture multiple kits and provide them to a select few educational institutions at cost or for free. If the project gains traction, then I will also provide pre-fabbed parts (similar to OpenBCI) to further reduce the difficulty in getting started with the platform.

The end goal of OpenQuantum is two-fold. The first is to enable hackers to quickly set up their own cost-effective platform for quantum information, leading to a community of ‘quantum-enabled’ hackers that can independently develop new technologies, experiments, and theories, external to academia and large industry monoliths. Much like the popular and successful OpenBCI platform, this open-source hardware platform would allow a much wider hobbyist and entrepreneur community to participate in cutting-edge scientific and engineering progress. These opportunities are currently restricted to a relatively small group of individuals working at wealthy academic labs or quantum initiatives at large corporations such as Google and IBM. Employment is typically only offered to those with a PhD (or those pursuing it), which only further limits the number of individuals who can pursue these endeavors. OpenQuantum would provide pre-fabricated resources and detailed tutorials to anyone, regardless of background, education level, location, etc.

The second goal is to supply complete kits to high schools and universities that would allow them to provide a modern hands-on education in quantum science and information to upcoming generations of students. For many people in STEM, studying theory is tedious and perhaps even boring, and concepts are difficult to grasp without tangible examples. This is particularly true for quantum mechanics, which requires students to cast aside their intuitive understanding of the world and try to accept a set of principles which are invisible in everyday life. Thus, it is even more important to provide students with a set of concrete demonstrations of these theories. And unlike the canonical set of ‘quantum experiments’, these demonstrated effects are being actively used in emerging devices and therefore have much more relevance to the education of engineering students.

As a former software engineer at Salesforce and Dropbox, I have extensive experience with version control software, writing documentation, and designing products to be used effectively by other engineers. As a graduate student at Columbia University, I have worked for a year and a half in the Ultracold Atomic Physics lab (https://www.will-lab.com/people), where I picked up the domain knowledge to undertake this endeavor. Additionally, I was part of a team that designed a quantum science laboratory course for Columbia, which has been successful to the point of being over-enrolled every semester it is offered.