Annamacharya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Tirupati

(Autonomous)

Course Title: Introduction to Quantum Technologies and Applications

Course Code: 23AES0504

Objective Type Questions

Unit – 1 : Introduction to Quantum Theory and Technologies

1. Give the mathematical formulation of Superposition

Ans. From the double slit experiment, it is evident that the interference results from the
superposition of waves emitted by the two slits. The intensity produced on the screen by opening
slit 1 is | (ψ1 (r, t)) |2 and is modulus| (ψ2 (r, t)) |2 when slit 2 is open. When both the slits are
open, then the intensity is

|ψ (r, t)|2 =|ψ1 (r, t)+|ψ2 (r, t)||2 =|ψ1 (r, t)|2+|ψ2 (r, t)|2 +ψ1* (r, t)ψ2 (r, t) +ψ1 (r, t)ψ2* (r, t).

The term ψ1* (r, t)ψ2 (r, t) +ψ1 (r, t)ψ2* (r, t) is the term which gives rise in case of electrons to
an interference pattern similar to light waves.

2. State Heisenberg’s Uncertainity Principle

Ans. It is therefore impossible to determine the position and the momentum of a particle
simultaneously to arbitrary accuracy.

Mathematically,

3. State deBrogile Hypothesis

Ans. Every moving particle has always associated with a wave. The wave associated with
moving particle of matter (like electrons, protons etc) are known as matter wave or pilot waves
or de-Broglie waves.

If a particle of mass m moving with velocity v, then the wavelength of matter wave is given by

λ= h/mv

Where h is Planck’ s constant, m is the mass of particle, v is the velocity of the particle
4. Give the properties of Matter Waves

Ans. If v = 0, λ=∞ and if v = ∞, λ=0. This implies that matter waves are associated with material
particles only if they are in motion.

2. Lesser the velocity of the particle, larger the wave length associated with it.

3. Smaller the mass of the particle, the greater the length associated with it.

4. The matter wave of particle is independent of charge (or) nature of the particle.

5. de-Broglie waves are pilot waves. The word, pilot means that these waves pilot (or) guide the
particle.

6. Matter waves travel faster than velocity of light

7. Matter waves are not electromagnetic waves.

8. The wave nature of matter introduces an uncertainty in the location of the position of the
particle because a wave cannot be set exactly at this position (or) at that position.

(Note: Any 3 to 4 properties needs to be written for 2 mark question)

5. Define Quantum Entanglement

Ans: Quantum entanglement is a complex phenomenon in quantum mechanics where two or

more particles become linked together in such a way that they share the same quantum state,
regardless of the distance separating them.

6. Give the Physical Significance of Wave Function

Ans.

 It must be well behaved, that is single valued and continuous everywhere. It usually
complex quantity and individually it has no meaning.
 According to Max born ψ ψ*=| ψ |2 is a real and positive, it has physical meaning.
 It represents the probability of finding the particle in the state ψ. The probability of
finding the particle in a volume is given by Probability (P) = | ψ |2

 For the total probability of finding the particle somewhere is (space), P = ∭| ψ |2 =1. A
wave function ψ satisfying the above relation is called a normalized wave function.

 For motion of a particle in one dimensional, the quantity = | ψ |2 is the probability of

finding the particle over a small distance at position x.
 7. Define the three postulates of Quantum Mechanics

Ans. Postulate 1: Wave function postulate

The state of a quantum mechanical system is completely specified by the function

ψ (r,t), that depends on the coordinates of the particle, r and time t.

This function is called the wave function of state function and has the property that ψ*
(r,t) ψ (r,t) dT is the probability that the particle lies in the volume element dT located at
r and time t. This is the probabilistic interpretation of the wave function.

The normalization condition is given by

+∞

∫ ψ ∗ (𝐫, t) ψ (𝐫, t) dr = 1
−∞

Postulate 2: Observable Postulate

To every observable in classical mechanics there corresponds a linear, Hermitian operator

in quantum mechanics.

Postulate 3: Measurements and Eigen Values of Operators:

The measurement of an observable A may be represented formally by the action of A on

a state vector |ψ(t)>. The only possible result of such a measurement is one of the eigen
values an of the operator 𝐴̂

If the result of a measurement of A on a state |ψ(t)> is an, the state of the system
immediately after the measurement changes to |ψn>:

𝐴̂ |ψ(t)> = an |ψn>

8. Differentiate Classical and Quantum Mechanics

S. No. Classical Mechanics Quantum Mechanics

1. Life we know Alternate Universe

2. Particles and Waves exhibit Particles and waves are interdependent

completely different behaviours:
mutually exclusive
3. Description of the particle requires Description of the wave requires two
only one parameter, position (r) parameters, amplitude and phase
4. Deals with macroscopic objects Focuses on microscopic world of atoms
and subatomic particles
 5. Offers deterministic predictions Introduces probabilistic outcomes
6. Extremely accurate results as long Not Precise as well deal with
as the domain of study is restricted microscopic objects
to large objects and the speeds
involved do not approach the speed
of light
7. Theories are simple Complicated theories than Classical
Mechanics
8. Basis: Newtonian Mechanics Wave-Particle Duality : deBroglie
Hypothesis
9. Assumes allowable energies are Assumes allowable energies are
continuous values and all energies discrete values and some energies are
are allowed not allowed

(Note: For 2 marks question, any 3 to 4 differences need to be written)

9. Define Quantization

Ans. Quantization is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that describes how certain
physical quantities like energy, angular momentum, and charge can only take on discrete values,
rather than any value within a continuous range fundamentally differing from classical
mechanics.

10. State and explain the types of Quantum Technologies

Ans.

• Quantum Computing: Utilizing qubits to solve complex problems much faster than
classical computers, enabling advancements in data analysis and machine learning.

• Quantum Communication: Ensuring secure and unbreakable communication through

methods like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which protects sensitive information
from interception.

• Quantum Sensing: Developing highly sensitive sensors for precise measurements in

fields such as environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics.

• Quantum Simulation: Utilizing quantum systems to model complex phenomena, aiding

in research in chemistry, physics, and materials science.
 Objective Type Questions

Unit – 11 Theoretical Structure of Quantum Information Systems

1. Define a qubit.

Answer: A qubit is a quantum bit that can exist in a superposition of |0⟩ and |1⟩ states: ∣ψ⟩=α∣0⟩+β∣1⟩.

2. What is superposition?

Answer: A principle of quantum mechanics where a qubit can be in a linear combination of |0⟩ and
|1⟩ simultaneously until measured

3. List the major quantum systems.

Answer: Trapped Ions, Superconducting Circuits, and Photons are the three major quantum systems

4. What is decoherence?

Answer: The losses of quantum coherence due to environmental interactions, making qubits
behave classically.

5. List any five quantum operators

a) Identity Operator (I)
b) Null (Zero) Operator (0)
c) Hermitian Operators
d) Unitary Operators (U)
e) Projection Operators (P)
f) Hamiltonian Operator (H)
g) Momentum Operator (p̂)
6. Define Hilbert space.

Answer: A complete complex vector space with an inner product where quantum states reside.

7. What is a pure state and Mixed state?

Answer: A single normalized quantum state vector |ψ⟩ with ⟨ψ|ψ⟩ = 1 and a statistical mixture of
pure states represented by a density matrix ρ.

8. Define quantum entanglement and mention any two of its applications

Answer: Entanglement is a uniquely quantum mechanical phenomenon in which the states of two or
more subsystems become inextricably linked, such that the state of each individual part cannot be
described independently of the others. And Quantum teleportation and quantum key distribution
(QKD) are the applications of entanglement
 9. Define Randomness and Determinism in terms of Quantum

Answer:

a) Randomness: Quantum measurement outcomes are inherently probabilistic (Born rule).

Not due to hidden variables (Bell’s theorem).
b) Determinism: Schrödinger equation gives deterministic time evolution; only
measurement introduces randomness.

10. Mention any two differences between classical and quantum information.

Answer:

a) Quantum information uses qubits with superposition; classical uses deterministic bits.
b) Quantum information cannot be cloned; classical can be copied freely.