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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Computer Application...arrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Computer Applications in Engineering Education
Article . 2026 . Peer-reviewed
License: Wiley Online Library User Agreement
Data sources: Crossref
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Microcontroller‐Driven Photonic Toolkit for Quantum Computing: A Hardware‐in‐the‐Loop Approach to Engineering Pedagogy

Authors: R. R. Sreeja; J. Kamala; S. Akshai; Sahaana Kanagesan;

Microcontroller‐Driven Photonic Toolkit for Quantum Computing: A Hardware‐in‐the‐Loop Approach to Engineering Pedagogy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Traditional pedagogical methods for quantum computing often struggle to bridge the gap between abstract mathematical models and physical intuition. This paper presents the development and evaluation of a modular, computer‐aided hardware training kit designed to emulate quantum states and gate operations through an integrated digital‐photonic interface. The system leverages a microcontroller‐driven architecture to control a Photonic Qubit Generator, utilizing 650 nm laser diodes and polarizers to represent polarization‐encoded states (|0〉, |1〉, |+〉, |−〉). By integrating hardware switches and embedded gate logic, the kit enables real‐time interaction with qubits, single‐qubit (Pauli X, Y, Z, Hadamard, Phase S) gates, and multi‐qubit (CNOT, Toffoli) gates operations. Unlike purely theoretical simulations, this hardware‐in‐the‐loop approach provides tactile and visual feedback via light emitting diode/laser indicators, reinforcing the connection between digital control and quantum behavior. A pilot study involving 62 undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students was conducted to assess the kit's impact on computational thinking and conceptual comprehension. Quantitative and qualitative results indicate a significant improvement in student engagement and their ability to map theoretical gate logic to functional hardware outputs. The study concludes that this cost‐effective, scalable platform serves as a vital computer application for engineering classrooms, democratizing access to complex quantum science through interactive, hands‐on experimentation.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
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