Building an analogue simulator of a photonic quantum computer with transparent tape, maple syrup, and cat lasers, and implementing first quantum algorithms in the classroom
Open accessAbstract
This work presents the implementation of single-qubit gates, including R x and R z gates realized using transparent adhesive tape, and R y gates obtained with optically active maple and agave solutions. These gates form the native gate set of a simple photonic system and are subsequently used to construct a Hadamard gate. Two forms of two-qubit gates are introduced using a combination of a calcite crystal and transparent tape. The setups employ both the polarization and the path degree of freedom of a photon as qubits, illustrating how readily accessible materials can be used to manipulate and transform the quantum information they convey. Calculations are performed to determine the birefringence of two different types of tape and to quantify the specific rotations introduced by multiple layers of transparent tape. Finally, simple algorithms and exercises are proposed for students. These experimental setups are designed to facilitate hands-on manipulation of quantum effects while lowering the barrier to accessing quantum systems, with total costs kept below $50 CAD for the single-qubit gates and below $100 CAD for all experiments combined. The configurations presented serve as an analogue simulator of a photonic quantum computer: although the laser beams used can be described classically, all theoretical considerations and experimental procedures remain valid for quantized systems employing single-photon emitters and single-photon detectors.
Verified 2026-10-23 · 2 references not checked yet
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Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
The paper presents a low-cost analog simulator of a photonic quantum computer built from transparent tape, maple/agave syrup, calcite, polarizers, and a cat laser pointer, implementing single-qubit rotations, a Hadamard gate, CNOT/controlled gates, and a one-qubit Deutsch algorithm. It reports birefringence and rotation-angle calibrations for two tape brands at 405, 532, and 650 nm, with total costs below $50 CAD for single-qubit gates and below $100 CAD for all experiments.
Key findings
- Native gates are implemented as R_x and R_z gates using transparent adhesive tape, and R_y gates using optically active maple and agave solutions; a Hadamard gate is decomposed into R_y(-π/4), Z, and R_y(π/4). Calcite acts as a CNOT gate, entangling polarization and path qubits.
- Michel-Lévy chart estimates give birefringence Δn ≈ 0.0148 for Office Works tape (25 µm thick) and ≈ 0.0140 for Canada Post tape (30 µm thick); direct measurements across 405, 532, and 650 nm show nearly constant birefringence for blue and green, with a drop for red. Six linear fits of rotation angle versus tape layers have R² values of 0.9973 or greater.
- Table 1 reports rotation angles per layer; for example, one layer of Office Works tape gives 332° (blue), 248° (green), and 160° (red), while one layer of Canada Post tape gives 25° (blue), 287° (green), and 127° (red). Best R_z(-π/2) gates are 3 layers Office Works for blue (275°), 4 layers Office Works for green (272°), and 5 layers Canada Post for red (277°).
- A modified one-qubit Deutsch algorithm is implemented with an unknown 180° gate; a single measurement distinguishes whether the underlying rotation is about the x-axis or z-axis, though it does not identify which of the four specific gates was used.
Methods
- Design: an analog photonic quantum computer simulator using polarization and path degrees of freedom, assembled from a laser pointer, polarizing filters, transparent adhesive tape, sucrose/fructose/maple/agave solutions, a calcite crystal, a rotating polarizer, and a screen.
- Data/sample: two transparent tape brands (Office Works and Canada Post), up to six layers per gate, tested with 405 nm blue, 532 nm green, and 650 nm red lasers; rotation angles and birefringence were measured.
- Analysis: approximate birefringence from a Michel-Lévy chart; precise rotation angles from extinction-angle measurements with a rotating polarizer and an R_z(-π/2) gate; linear regression of rotation angle versus number of tape layers; quantum circuits for gates and algorithms.
Limitations
- The paper states that using continuous laser light places the system in the classical regime; true quantum operation would require a single-photon emitter and single-photon detector.
- Alignment is delicate, and the tape’s optical axis is not necessarily parallel to its edge; in this setup it was observed to lie approximately 12° from the edge. The Michel-Lévy chart gives only a single approximate birefringence value, commercial sugars are not laboratory-grade and impurities reduce rotation, calcite introduces an unknown phase, and the modified Deutsch algorithm only distinguishes x-axis from z-axis rotations, not which of the four gates was used.
- The provided text is a preprint and includes a notice that results should not be considered conclusive or validated information.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
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Claims the paper makes
3 of 43 cited sources checked · 1 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation§ 1 Introduction · p. 3
For the experiment to operate in the quantum regime, one would need a single-photon emitter and a single-photon detector.
“For the experiment to operate in the quantum regime, or, in other words, to be truly quantized , one would need a single-photon emitter and a single-photon detector [3].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [3] Couteau, 2023, Applications of single photons to quantum communication and computing, Nat. Rev. Phys. source
Section 1.1.1.1 (page unavailable) describes an experiment that uses a single-photon source and single-photon detectors to demonstrate photon antibunching. It does not say that every experiment needs those components to operate in the quantum regime, so the citing sentence overstates the source. (LLM, conf=0.84)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Findingcitation§ 4.1 Ry gates: maple syrup and agave syrup · p. 12
An alternative method is to begin with agave syrup or maple syrup and dilute each of them to achieve the desired rotation.
“An alternative method is to begin with agave syrup (a fructose-rich solution) [22] or maple syrup (a sucrose-rich solution) [23] and dilute each of them to achieve the desired rotation.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked - Findingown data§ 4.1 Ry gates: maple syrup and agave syrup · p. 11
The specific rotation values obtained for grocery store sugar and fructose were lower than those predicted by the Drude equation.
“The values obtained were lower than those predicted by the Drude equation [7, 20, 21] shown in Fig. 13.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked- cites [7] Parra Cordova, 2025, A Lab Tool for Sugar: The Optical Rotatory Dispersion of d -Glucose from Its Mutarotation Kinetics with a Home-Made Polarimeter, J. Chem. Educ. source
- cites [20] Soetedjo, 2014, Use of a modified Drude’s equation to investigate the optical rotation property of sugars, Optik source
- cites [21] Güçlü, 2004, Constrained optimization of Drude’s equations eliminates effects of confounding molecules for the polarimetric measurement of glucose, J. Biomed. Opt. source
Section 3.1 tests how well Drude’s equation fits molecular optical-rotation data, and Section 4 describes a theoretical analysis based on bovine aqueous humor. Neither reports measured specific rotations for grocery-store sugar and fructose or compares those measurements with Drude predictions (searched for grocery-store sugar, fructose, and lower measured rotation). (LLM, conf=0.76)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Findingnone given§ Abstract · p. 2
The setups employ both the polarization and the path degree of freedom of a photon as qubits.
“The setups employ both the polarization and the path degree of freedom of a photon as qubits”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given§ Abstract · p. 2
Two forms of two-qubit gates are introduced using a combination of a calcite crystal and transparent tape.
“Two forms of two-qubit gates are introduced using a combination of a calcite crystal and transparent tape.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Findingnone given§ Abstract · p. 2
Total costs are kept below $100 CAD for all experiments combined.
“and below $ 100 CAD for all experiments combined.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ Abstract · p. 2
Calculations quantify the specific rotations introduced by multiple layers of transparent tape.
“and to quantify the specific rotations introduced by multiple layers of transparent tape.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given§ Abstract · p. 2
Ry gates can be obtained with optically active maple and agave solutions.
“and R y gates obtained with optically active maple and agave solutions.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ Abstract · p. 2
Single-qubit gates including Rx and Rz gates can be realized using transparent adhesive tape.
“This work presents the implementation of single-qubit gates, including R x and R z gates realized using transparent adhesive tape”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingreasoning§ Abstract · p. 2
These gates are subsequently used to construct a Hadamard gate.
“and are subsequently used to construct a Hadamard gate.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22
In the example of Fig. 28, the measured angle is either 28° or -28° (332°).
“In the example of Fig. 28, the measured angle is either 28 ◦ or -28 ◦ (332 ◦ ).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22
An Rx gate made of two layers of Office Works tape corresponds to a rotation of 664° (304° on the Bloch sphere).
“In this particular case, the R x gate composed of two layers corresponds to a rotation of 664 ◦ (304 ◦ on the Bloch sphere).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ 4.5 Birefringence of transparent tape · p. 17
Six layers of transparent tape arranged to have various amounts of overlap and placed at a 45° angle between two horizontal polarizers with a background illumination of white light show a vibrant array of colours.
“Fig. 23 shows six layers of transparent tape, arranged to have various amount of overlap and placed at a 45 ◦ angle between two horizontal polarizers with a background illumination of white light. We see a vibrant array of colours.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data§ 4.6 Michel-L´ evy chart · p. 19
Canada Post wrapping tape, measured to have a thickness of 30 μm, exhibits a birefringence of approximately 0.0140 on the Michel-Lévy chart.
“Canada Post wrapping tape, measured to have a thickness of 30 µ m, exhibits a birefringence of approximately 0 . 0140 on the Michel-L´ evy chart.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingnone given§ 3.3 The case of calcite · p. 10
The extraordinary ray in calcite is vertically polarized.
“The extraordinary ray, which is vertically polarized, is refracted toward the optical axis and thus appears displaced towards the top of Fig. 11.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingnone given§ 4.6 Michel-L´ evy chart · p. 19
The thickness of Office Works tape was measured to be 25 μm.
“Given the thickness of Office Works tape was measured to be 25 µ m”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ 4.3 Rx and Rz implementation · p. 13
5 cm × 5 cm wooden plates with central apertures can be used to assemble Rx and Rz gates.
“Fig. 19 shows how 5cm × 5cm wooden plates with central apertures can be used to assemble R x and R z gates.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data§ 3.3 The case of calcite · p. 10
The ordinary ray in calcite consists of horizontally polarized light.
“As can be seen in Fig. 10, the ordinary ray consists of horizontally polarized light.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data§ 4.5 Birefringence of transparent tape · p. 17
The rotations induced by one layer of Office Works tape for red light (650 nm), green light (532 nm), and blue light (405 nm) are approximately 160°, 248°, and 332°, respectively.
“Fig. 22 shows the rotations induced by one layer of Office Works tape for red light (650nm), green light (532nm), and blue light (405nm). The rotation angles are approximately 160 ◦ , 248 ◦ , and 332 ◦ , respectively.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingreasoning§ 4.6 Michel-L´ evy chart · p. 19
Drawing a straight line from the origin through the first point and extending it to the upper boundary of the chart yields an approximate birefringence of Δn ≈ 0.0148 for Office Works tape.
“yielding to an approximate birefringence of ∆ n ≈ 0 . 0148.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingreasoning§ 4.2 Rx and Rz gates: transparent films · p. 12
Placing a transparent film so that its optical axis lies in the anti-diagonal direction creates an Rx gate.
“Placing a transparent film so that its optical axis lies in the anti-diagonal direction creates an R x gate”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 21
For a single layer of Office Works tape and a blue laser, the rotation angle θ of the Rx gate is measured to be 332°.
“The rotation angle θ of the R x gate is measured to be 332 ◦ .”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingreasoning§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22
An Rx gate made of a single layer of Office Works tape has a rotation angle of 332°.
“From this, we deduce that an R x gate made of a single layer of Office Works tape has a rotation angle of 332 ◦ .”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22
Linear regressions of experimentally measured rotation angles for one to six layers of Office Works and Canada Post tapes have R2 values of 0.9973 or greater for all six fits.
“The R 2 values of all six linear fits are 0.9973 or greater.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22
Only the red laser exhibits significant decreases in birefringence values for both materials.
“Only the red laser exhibits significant decreases in birefringence values for both materials.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingnone given§ 4.8 Hadamard gate: maple syrup, agave syrup, and transparent tape · p. 24
An agave solution produces a physical rotation of 22.5° (45° on the Bloch sphere).
“Finally, we place an agave solution producing a physical rotation of 22.5 ° (45 ° on the Bloch sphere) in the circuit.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 23
The best setups for measuring the rotation angles of Fig. 27 are an Rz gate composed of 3 layers of Office Works tape for the blue laser (275°), 4 layers of Office Works tape for the green laser (272°), and 5 layers of Canada Post tape for the red laser (277°).
“It also indicates that the best setups for measuring the rotation angles of Fig. 27 are: an R z gate composed of 3 layers of Office Works tape for the blue laser (275 ° ), 4 layers of Office Works tape for the green laser (272 ° ), and 5 layers of Canada Post tape for the red laser (277 ° ).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22
There is a drop in the birefringence value for 650 nm light for both Office Works and Canada Post tapes.
“and that there is a drop in the birefringence value for the 650nm light for both of them.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22
The birefringence is almost constant for 405 nm and 532 nm for both Office Works and Canada Post tapes.
“We observe that the birefringence is almost constant for the 405nm and 532nm for the two types of tape”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data§ 4.8 Hadamard gate: maple syrup, agave syrup, and transparent tape · p. 24
For the red laser, a combination of a single layer of Office Works tape together with three layers of Canada Post tape achieves a rotation angle of 182°.
“For the red laser, we can achieve a rotation angle of 182 ◦ with a combination of a single layer of Office Works tape together with three layers of Canada Post tape as calculated from Table 1.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22
The birefringence values extracted from measurements using blue and green lasers for both tapes agree with the first approximation from the Michel-Lévy chart (Office Works 0.0148, Canada Post 0.0140).
“The results are consistent with the first approximation obtained using the Michel-L´ evy chart in Section 4.6 where the birefringence of the Office Works tape was estimated to be 0.0148, and that of the Canada Post tape 0.0140. These values agree with the birefringence indices extracted from measurements using the blue and green lasers for both tapes.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingnone given§ 6 Conclusions · p. 31
The paper demonstrated the implementation of various quantum circuits, including a one-qubit version of the Deutsch algorithm.
“We also demonstrated the implementation of various quantum circuits, including a one-qubit version of the Deutsch algorithm.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation§ 3.2 Birefringence · p. 8
Non-crystalline materials can also be birefringent, among them several commercially available transparent adhesive tapes.
“Non-crystalline materials can also be birefringent, among them several commercially available transparent adhesive tapes [14].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [14] Edwards, 1981, On Producing Colours Using Birefringence Property of Transparent, Colourless Stretched Cellophane, Leonardo source
- Premisecitation§ 3.2 Birefringence · p. 9
In transparent polymer films, the optical axis typically aligns with the edges of the tape.
“In transparent polymer films, the optical axis typically aligns with the edges of the tape.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked - Premisecitation§ 3.1 Rotation of linearly polarized photons by optically active materials · p. 7
Fructose rotates the polarization of linearly polarized light counterclockwise.
“Another is fructose, which rotates polarization counterclockwise [7].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [7] Parra Cordova, 2025, A Lab Tool for Sugar: The Optical Rotatory Dispersion of d -Glucose from Its Mutarotation Kinetics with a Home-Made Polarimeter, J. Chem. Educ. source
- Premisecitation§ 3.1 Rotation of linearly polarized photons by optically active materials · p. 8
Under the same conditions, passage through 100 mm of a fructose solution rotates the polarization by 92.4° counterclockwise.
“Under the same conditions, passage through 100mm of a fructose solution would rotate the polarization by 92 . 4 ◦ counterclockwise.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [8] Big Chemical Encyclopedia: Chemical Substances, Components, Reactions, Process Design
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [9] Miljković, 2009, Isomerization of sugars source
- cites [10] PASCO Scientific, 2026, Determine concentration through polarimetry
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning§ Abstract · p. 2
The configurations presented serve as an analog simulator of a photonic quantum computer.
“The configurations presented serve as an analog simulator of a photonic quantum computer”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationnone given§ Abstract · p. 2
These gates form the native gate set of a simple photonic system.
“These gates form the native gate set of a simple photonic system”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation§ 3.2 Birefringence · p. 9
A quarter-wavelength plate with a horizontal optical axis transforms an incoming diagonally polarized photon into a counterclockwise circularly polarized photon.
“Under these conditions, an incoming diagonally polarized photon is transformed by the birefringent material into a counterclockwise circularly polarized photon.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [15] Tagaya, 2015, Birefringence of polymer source
- Premisecitation§ 3.1 Rotation of linearly polarized photons by optically active materials · p. 7
Sucrose rotates the polarization of linearly polarized light clockwise.
“One wellknown optically active substance is sucrose, which rotates the polarization clockwise”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [7] Parra Cordova, 2025, A Lab Tool for Sugar: The Optical Rotatory Dispersion of d -Glucose from Its Mutarotation Kinetics with a Home-Made Polarimeter, J. Chem. Educ. source
- Premisecitation§ 3.1 Rotation of linearly polarized photons by optically active materials · p. 8
If a linearly polarized photon of 589 nm passes through 100 mm of a sucrose solution at 10 g per 100 mL, its polarization rotates clockwise by 66.5°.
“if a linearly polarized photon of such a wavelength passes through 100mm of a sucrose solution at a concentration of 10g per 100mL, its polarization would rotate clockwise by 66 . 5 ◦”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [8] Big Chemical Encyclopedia: Chemical Substances, Components, Reactions, Process Design
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [9] Miljković, 2009, Isomerization of sugars source
- cites [10] PASCO Scientific, 2026, Determine concentration through polarimetry
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation§ 1 Introduction · p. 3
An exploration of the fundamentals of quantum computing through a prototype of a photonic quantum computer can be carried out at a much more reasonable cost using simple theory and materials.
“an exploration of the fundamentals of quantum computing through a prototype of a photonic quantum computer can be carried out at a much more reasonable cost using simple theory and materials [2].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [2] Yoganathan, 2023, What can my homemade quantum computer do?
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning§ 4.1 Ry gates: maple syrup and agave syrup · p. 12
By selecting the appropriate solution concentration for a given sugar type and container, one can implement any required Ry gate.
“By selecting the appropriate solution concentration for a given sugar type and container, one can implement any required R y gate.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation§ 3.3 The case of calcite · p. 10
When a single photon with a linearly polarized electric field enters a calcite crystal at an angle relative to the polarization directions of the ordinary and extraordinary rays, it emerges in a quantum superposition of two spatially separated paths.
“When a single photon with a linearly polarized electric field enters a calcite crystal at an angle relative to the polarization directions of the ordinary and extraordinary rays, it emerges in a quantum superposition of two spatially separated paths.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [13] Klein, 1993
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationown data§ 4.5 Birefringence of transparent tape · p. 17
Each tape thickness produces its own characteristic perceived colour when measured along the |0⟩ or |1⟩ direction.
“In all, we see that each tape thickness produces its own characteristic perceived colour when measured along the | 0 ⟩ or | 1 ⟩ direction”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisenone given§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 21
The Rz gate with rotation -π/2 brings the qubit's state vector from the y-z plane to the x-z plane while preserving the latitude θ.
“The presence of the R z gate with a rotation of -π 2 brings the qubit's state vector from the y -z plane of the Bloch sphere, where the polarization is elliptical, into the x -z plane, where the polarization is linear, while still preserving the latitude of the state vector i.e., the value of θ remains constant.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22
When no intensity variation is observed, the gate corresponds to an angle close to π/2 (or -π/2) modulo 2π.
“When no intensity variation is observed on the final screen, the gate corresponds to an angle close to π 2 (or -π 2 ) on the Bloch sphere, modulo 2 π , since full rotations do not affect the outcome and only the remaining fractional rotation is relevant.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisenone given§ 4.5 Birefringence of transparent tape · p. 16
The second polarizer acts as a measurement device, allowing only a certain percentage of each wavelength to pass through.
“The second polarizer acts as a measurement device, allowing only a certain percentage of each wavelength to pass through”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation§ 4.2 Rx and Rz gates: transparent films · p. 12
A photon whose polarization enters the tape at a 45° angle to the optical axis experiences a retardation of the component perpendicular to the optical axis relative to the component parallel to it.
“a photon whose polarization enters the tape at a 45 ◦ angle to the optical axis experiences a retardation of the component perpendicular to the optical axis relative to the component parallel to it.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [14] Edwards, 1981, On Producing Colours Using Birefringence Property of Transparent, Colourless Stretched Cellophane, Leonardo source
- Premisenone given§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 21
An elliptically polarized photon always has some probability of passing through a polarizing filter at every filter angle, so rotating the polarizer cannot produce full extinction.
“In this configuration, rotating the polarizer cannot produce full extinction at any angle since an elliptically polarized photon always has some probability of going through a polarizing filter for all angles of the filter.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationcitation§ 4.2 Rx and Rz gates: transparent films · p. 12
This retardation converts the linearly polarized photon into an elliptically polarized one.
“This converts the linearly polarized photon into an elliptically polarized one (Section 3.2) [14].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [14] Edwards, 1981, On Producing Colours Using Birefringence Property of Transparent, Colourless Stretched Cellophane, Leonardo source
- Premisecitation§ 3.3 The case of calcite · p. 10
If the photon is detected along the extraordinary-ray path, it is found to be vertically polarized.
“Conversely, if it is detected along the extraordinary-ray path (the upper path in Fig. 11), it is found to be vertically polarized [13].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [13] Klein, 1993
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationown data§ 4.1 Ry gates: maple syrup and agave syrup · p. 11
Both grocery store sugar and fructose can be used to fabricate Ry gates with any desired rotation.
“Nonetheless, both substances can be used to fabricate R y gates with any desired rotation.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ 3.3 The case of calcite · p. 10
In addition to polarization, the propagation path of a photon can be used to form a qubit.
“in addition to polarization, the propagation path of a photon can be used to form a qubit”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisereasoning§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 21
The rotating polarizer can then be used to measure θ/2.
“The rotating polarizer can then be used to measure θ 2 .”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ 4.5 Birefringence of transparent tape · p. 16
The blue colour arises from the sum of all wavelengths in the visible spectrum that are transformed from horizontal linear polarization into different elliptical polarizations, each corresponding to its own position on the Bloch sphere.
“This blue colour arises from the sum of all wavelengths in the visible spectrum that are transformed from horizontal linear polarization into different elliptical polarizations, each corresponding to its own position on the Bloch sphere”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationcitation§ 4.6 Michel-L´ evy chart · p. 19
The value obtained from the Michel-Lévy chart is rather reliable, if still technically approximate.
“so the value obtained from the chart is rather reliable, if still technically approximate.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ 4.5 Birefringence of transparent tape · p. 17
Because white light is composed of all visible wavelengths, each mapped to a distinct point on the Bloch sphere, the sum of their transmitted components produces the observed blue colour.
“Because white light is composed of all visible wavelengths, each mapped to a distinct point on the Bloch sphere, the sum of their transmitted components produces the observed blue colour.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Study design and conductreasoning§ 4.4 Calibration · p. 15
The tape is correctly aligned for an Rz gate if no light passes through the second filter.
“The tape is correctly aligned for an R z gate if no light passes through the second filter.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation§ 3.3 The case of calcite · p. 10
Upon measurement, if the photon is detected along the ordinary-ray path, it is found to be horizontally polarized.
“Upon measurement, if the photon is detected along the ordinary-ray path (the lower path in Fig. 10), it is found to be horizontally polarized.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [13] Klein, 1993
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisereasoning§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22
The best Rz gate plate for a given wavelength is the one that shows the least variation of intensity when turning the rotating filter.
“The best gate is the one that shows the least variation of intensity when turning the rotating filter.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ 4.5 Birefringence of transparent tape · p. 16
The final perceived colour is the combined contribution of all wavelengths weighted by their transmission probabilities.
“The final perceived colour is therefore the combined contribution of all wavelengths weighted by their transmission probabilities.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisenone given§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22
Intensity is constant when the R†x gate has θ=π/2 (or -π/2) and brings the system into the |i> (or |-i>) state.
“Intensity is constant when the R † x gate has a value of θ = π 2 (or -π 2 ) and brings the system in the | i ⟩ (or | -i ⟩ ) state.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ 4.5 Birefringence of transparent tape · p. 16
Determining the birefringence gives the ability to predict the rotation angle for any number of layers of a specific tape.
“This later gives the ability to predict the rotation angle for any number of layers of a specific tape.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation§ 4.6 Michel-L´ evy chart · p. 19
Previous work has shown that the birefringence of many common transparent adhesive tapes remains nearly constant for parts of the visible spectrum.
“Previous work [12] has shown that the birefringence of many common transparent adhesive tapes remains nearly constant for parts of the visible spectrum”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [12] Slepkov, 2022, Quantitative measurement of birefringence in transparent films across the visible spectrum, Am. J. Phys. source
- Study design and conductreasoning§ 4.4 Calibration · p. 15
The most reliable method to ensure that the initial Rz gate is properly aligned is to place the tape between two polarizing filters, with one oriented horizontally and the other vertically.
“The most reliable method to ensure that the initial R z gate is properly aligned is to place the tape between two polarizing filters, with one oriented horizontally and the other vertically (Fig. 20).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationown data§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 23
These gates produce φ values closest to 90° (π/2) or 270° (-π/2), as required for this experiment.
“These gates produce ϕ values closest to 90 ° ( π 2 ) or 270 ° ( -π 2 ), as required for this experiment.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisenone given§ 6 Conclusions · p. 30
Manipulating the polarization states of light is mathematically equivalent to manipulating a qubit.
“That is, manipulating the polarization states is mathematically equivalent to manipulating a qubit.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisereasoning§ 5.1 Inverse gates · p. 28
These two gates must be placed back-to-back for the quantum state to return to its initial form after passing through both.
“Note that these two gates must be placed back-to-back for the quantum state to return to its initial form after passing through both.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisereasoning§ A.8 Polarizer as a measurement device · p. 36
The relative intensity of the light we see is proportional to the probability that a photon has the same polarization as the polarizer.
“The relative intensity of the light we see is proportional to the probability that a photon has the same polarization as the polarizer.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data§ 6 Conclusions · p. 30
Simple everyday materials and equipment can be used to simulate an analog photonic quantum computer.
“We have demonstrated that simple everyday materials and equipment can be used to simulate an analog photonic quantum computer.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ 4.9 Calcite crystal as a CNOT gate · p. 26
The photon exits the calcite crystal in a superposition of states |00> and |11>.
“The photon thus exits the crystal in a superposition of states | 00 ⟩ and | 11 ⟩ .”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationnone given§ 6 Conclusions · p. 30
Using the different refractive properties of calcite for horizontally and vertically polarized light, the second qubit can be encoded in a position degree of freedom.
“We then introduced the ability to consider two qubits by using the different refractive properties of calcite for horizontally and vertically polarized light to encode the second qubit in a position degree of freedom.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ 5.2 Deutsch algorithm implementation · p. 30
For a photon in the |+> state, the Rx(sh,sv) and R†x(fh,fv) gates have no effect on the photon phase because they do not alter the |+> state.
“For a photon in the | + ⟩ state, the R x ( s h , s v ) and R † x ( f h , f v ) gates have no effect on the photon phase, since they do not alter the | + ⟩ state.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisereasoning§ 4.9 Calcite crystal as a CNOT gate · p. 25
Calcite can be used as a CNOT gate for entangling two qubits.
“We can use calcite as a CNOT gate for entangling two qubits.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisereasoning§ 4.8 Hadamard gate: maple syrup, agave syrup, and transparent tape · p. 24
The Hadamard gate can be decomposed into a sequence of three native gates: Ry(-π/4), Z (Rz 180°), and Ry(π/4).
“The Hadamard gate can be decomposed into a sequence of three native gates in our photonic system. First, an R y rotation of -π/ 4 is applied to the system causing the Hadamard rotation axis to point along the z -axis. Then, we apply a Z gate (an R z rotation of 180 ° ). Finally, an R y gate of π/ 4 returns the axis to its original position, which completes the transformation.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22
The drop in birefringence at red wavelengths explains why identifying overall perceived colours on the Michel-Lévy chart can be difficult: wavelengths approaching the red region are skewed.
“This explains why identifying the overall perceived colours on the Michel-L´ evy chart can be difficult: wavelengths approaching the red region are skewed.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ 4.9 Calcite crystal as a CNOT gate · p. 26
Because horizontal polarization is associated with the lower path and vertical polarization with the upper path, qubits q0 and q1 become entangled.
“Since the horizontal polarization is associated to the lower path and the vertical polarization with the upper one, qubits q 0 and q 1 become entangled.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisenone given§ 4.10 CRx and CRy and CRz gates · p. 27
Using the setup of Fig. 35, it is possible to add a CRx, CRy, or CRz gate by inserting the desired gate on only the upper path.
“Using the setup of Fig. 35 as the starting point, it is possible to add a CR x , CR y , or CR z gate by inserting the desired gate on only the upper path.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationnone given§ 5.2 Deutsch algorithm implementation · p. 30
When the inserted gate is Rz(fh,sv) or R†z(sh,fv), the input photons are transformed from the |+> state to the |-> state.
“In contrast, when the inserted gate is R z ( f h , s v ) or R † z ( s h , f v ), the input photons are transformed from the | + ⟩ state to the |-⟩ state.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 43
- May combine two claims. 26
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
Findingnone given§ Abstract · p. 2Total costs are kept below $50 CAD for the single-qubit gates.
“with total costs kept below $ 50 CAD for the single-qubit gates”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
Findingnone given§ Abstract · p. 2Calculations are performed to determine the birefringence of two different types of tape.
“Calculations are performed to determine the birefringence of two different types of tape”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.
Findingnone given§ 4.3 Rx and Rz implementation · p. 15The Rx† and Rz† gates are obtained, respectively, by rotating the Rx gate by 180° around the vertical axis or by orienting the optical axis of the tape vertically.
“The R † x and R † z gates are obtained, respectively, by rotating the R x gate by 180 ◦ around the vertical axis or by orienting the optical axis of the tape vertically.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingcitation§ 4.1 Ry gates: maple syrup and agave syrup · p. 11For our apparatus, we used common grocery store granulated sugar and fructose and determined their specific rotation values for lasers at 405 nm, 532 nm, and 650 nm.
“For our apparatus, we used common grocery store granulated sugar (a sucrose-rich substance) [19] and fructose and determined their specific rotation values for lasers at 405 nm (blue), 532 nm (green), and 650 nm (red).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [19] National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2026, Pubchem compound summary for cid 5988
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
Findingown data§ 4.5 Birefringence of transparent tape · p. 17The same situation with the second polarizer vertically polarized shows a vibrant array of colours, different from the first set.
“Fig. 24 presents the same situation with the second polarizer vertically polarized. We again see a vibrant array of colours, though different from the first set”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown data§ 4.4 Calibration · p. 15In our setup, the optical axis of the tape was observed to lie approximately 12° from the edge of the tape.
“In our setup, the optical axis of the tape was observed to lie approximately 12 ◦ from the edge of the tape.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingreasoning§ 3.3 The case of calcite · p. 10Birefringence manifests differently in transparent tape compared to calcite; the tape does not produce a double image.
“Notice that birefringence manifests differently in transparent tape compared to calcite; i.e., the tape does not produce a double image.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingnone given§ 4.5 Birefringence of transparent tape · p. 16When a single layer of Office Works tape is placed at a 45° angle between two horizontal polarizers and illuminated with white light, the perceived colour is blue.
“when a single layer of Office Works tape is placed at a 45 ◦ angle between two horizontal polarizers and illuminated with white light, the perceived colour is blue”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingnone given§ 4.4 Calibration · p. 15Although manufacturing techniques for transparent tape are very stable and yield highly consistent products, the optical axis is not necessarily perfectly parallel to the edge of the tape.
“although the manufacturing techniques for transparent tape are very stable and yield highly consistent products, the optical axis is not necessarily perfectly parallel to the edge of the tape.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Manufacturing techniques for transparent tape are very stable and yield highly consistent products.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingnone given§ 4.3 Rx and Rz implementation · p. 13For each brand of tape, we fabricated six distinct rotation angles using up to six layers of tape.
“For each brand of tape, we fabricated six distinct rotation angles using up to six layers of tape.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingnone given§ 4.3 Rx and Rz implementation · p. 13In our setup, we employed two brands of transparent tape: Office Works tape and Canada Post tape.
“In our setup, we employed two brands of transparent tape: Office Works tape and Canada Post tape.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingnone given§ 5.2 Deutsch algorithm implementation · p. 29In the red-laser implementation of the Deutsch algorithm, the unknown gate consists of one layer of Office Works tape and three layers of Canada Post tape (182°), oriented in one of four possible directions.
“In practice, for red-laser implementation, the unknown gate consists of one layer of Office Works tape and three layers of Canada Post tape (182 ◦ ), oriented in one of four possible directions.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingnone given§ 4.10 CRx and CRy and CRz gates · p. 27In the Fig. 36 CNOT implementation, the CNOT is implemented using one layer of Office Works tape and three layers of Canada Post tape with a red laser.
“In this example, the CNOT is implemented using one layer of Office Works tape and three layers of Canada Post tape with a red laser.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingnone given§ 5.1 Inverse gates · p. 28The Ry and R†y gates encountered with fructose and sucrose solutions were adjusted to produce the same rotation but in opposite directions.
“The usage of R y and R † y gates have already been encountered in the context of fructose and sucrose solutions, which were adjusted to produce the same rotation but in opposite directions.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingnone given§ 6 Conclusions · p. 31The setup costs less than $50 CAD for the single qubit experiments and less than $100 CAD for all of the experiments.
“Our setup costs less than $50 CAD for the single qubit experiments and less than $100 CAD for all of the experiments.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingreasoning§ 5.1 Inverse gates · p. 28In Fig. 37, the light that passes through a single layer of tape in each of the four arms appears blue.
“The light that passes through a single layer of tape in each of the four arms appears blue, in accordance with what we discussed in Sections 4.5 and 4.6.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown data§ 4.10 CRx and CRy and CRz gates · p. 27An unknown phase φ is present in the Fig. 36 CNOT circuit, as indicated by the term e^{iφ}.
“Additionally, an unknown phase ϕ is present, as indicated by the term e iϕ .”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The calcite crystal introduces an unknown phase φ between the |00> and |11> states.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).
Findingnone given§ 4.8 Hadamard gate: maple syrup, agave syrup, and transparent tape · p. 24A maple syrup solution physically rotates the polarization of light by -22.5° (-45° on the Bloch sphere).
“the tools developed in the previous sections can be arranged to implement the Hadamard gate by first placing a maple syrup solution that physically rotates the polarization of light by -22.5 ° (-45 ° on the Bloch sphere)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown data§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22The birefringence values measured in this experiment remain lower than those reported by Slepkov [12].
“although the values measured in our experiment remain lower than those reported in that study.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [12] Slepkov, 2022, Quantitative measurement of birefringence in transparent films across the visible spectrum, Am. J. Phys. source
May combine two claims.
Findingown data§ 5.1 Inverse gates · p. 28In Fig. 37, the central square appears white, matching the incoming light, due to the annihilating effect of the second gate.
“We see that the central square appears white, matching the incoming light. This is due to the annihilating effect of the second gate.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingreasoning§ 4.10 CRx and CRy and CRz gates · p. 27In the Fig. 36 CNOT circuit, q0 is always in state |0>, so the two qubits are no longer entangled.
“This shows that q 0 (noted on the right of | 00 ⟩ or | 10 ⟩ ) is always in state | 0 ⟩ , and therefore the two qubits are no longer entangled.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingnone given§ A.8 Polarizer as a measurement device · p. 36The laser emits about 10^15 photons per second.
“In our apparatus, the laser is emitting about 10 15 photons per second.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Premisecitation§ 3.2 Birefringence · p. 9If the phase shift deviates from exactly λ/4, the output polarization becomes elliptical instead.
“If the phase shift deviates from exactly λ 4 , the output polarization becomes elliptical instead [14].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [14] Edwards, 1981, On Producing Colours Using Birefringence Property of Transparent, Colourless Stretched Cellophane, Leonardo source
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
Premisecitation§ 3.2 Birefringence · p. 8Birefringence is the property of certain materials to exhibit two or more distinct refractive indices when photons propagate along different axes.
“Birefringence is the property of certain materials to exhibit two (or more) distinct refractive indices n when photons propagate along different axes [11, 12].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checkedClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
Interpretationreasoning§ 1 Introduction · p. 3The theory presented describes experiments from the quantum perspective of single photons.
“this is why the theory presented below describes experiments from the quantum perspective of single photons.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Premisecitation§ 3.3 The case of calcite · p. 10Calcite crystals are well known for producing double images when placed over simple drawings or printed text.
“These crystals are well known for producing double images when placed over simple drawings or printed text (Fig. 9) [13, 16, 17].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [13] Klein, 1993
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [16] Duda, 1991
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [17] Nikon MicroscopyU Birefringence in Calcite Crystals
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).
Premisecitation§ 1 Introduction · p. 3Quantum computing is often perceived as a highly sophisticated field requiring expensive equipment.
“Quantum computing is often perceived as a highly sophisticated field requiring expensive equipment [1].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [1] Dargan, 2023, The price of a quantum computer
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
Interpretationreasoning§ 1 Introduction · p. 3Aside from the limitation of needing a single-photon emitter and detector, the remainder of the explanation applies perfectly to the quantum realm.
“Aside from this limitation, the remainder of the explanation applies perfectly to the quantum realm”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).
Interpretationnone given§ Abstract · p. 2Although the laser beams used can be described classically, all theoretical considerations and experimental procedures remain valid for quantized systems employing single-photon emitters and single-photon detectors.
“although the laser beams used can be described classically, all theoretical considerations and experimental procedures remain valid for quantized systems employing single-photon emitters and singlephoton detectors.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductnone given§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 19A polarizing filter mounted on a graduated wheel enables precise measurement of the polarization angle.
“One essential tool for experimentally determining the angle of linear polarization is a polarizing filter mounted on a graduated wheel (Fig. 26). This device enables precise measurement of the polarization angle.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Premisenone given§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 19In practice, it is easier to identify the extinction angle than to determine the angle corresponding to maximum transmitted intensity.
“In practice, it is easier to identify the angle at which no light passes through the filter, the extinction angle , than to determine the angle corresponding to maximum transmitted intensity.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Study design and conductreasoning§ 4.4 Calibration · p. 15Precise alignment of the transparent tape is one of the most delicate aspects of assembling this experiment; any tilt in an Rx or Rz gate will reduce the accuracy of the results.
“One of the most delicate aspects of assembling this experiment is the precise alignment of the transparent tape, since any tilt in an R x or R z gate will reduce the accuracy of the results.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Premisecitation§ 3.3 The case of calcite · p. 10For calcite, the optical axis is not parallel to the naturally occurring faces of the crystal, but lies at an angle of about 44.6° relative to the surface normal.
“for calcite, the optical axis is not parallel to the naturally occurring faces of the crystal [13], but instead lies at an angle of about 44.6 ◦ relative to the surface normal [18].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [13] Klein, 1993
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [18] Skalwold, 2015
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Premisenone given§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22The sign of the angle is not important at this stage; only the circular polarization of light (|i> or |-i>) matters.
“The sign of the angle is not yet important; only the circular polarization of light ( | i ⟩ or | -i ⟩ state) matters at this stage.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Premisecitation§ 4.6 Michel-L´ evy chart · p. 19The Michel-Lévy chart only provides a single birefringence value, so the measurement is by definition approximate for any material whose birefringence is wavelength-dependent.
“The chart only provides a single birefringence value [13], and so the measurement is by definition approximate for any material whose birefringence is wavelength-dependent [12].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [13] Klein, 1993
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [12] Slepkov, 2022, Quantitative measurement of birefringence in transparent films across the visible spectrum, Am. J. Phys. source
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
Premisenone given§ 4.5 Birefringence of transparent tape · p. 16Because the birefringence of a material depends on the wavelength of the photon passing through it, determining its value is important for finding the rotation induced by each layer of tape for a given laser.
“Because the birefringence of a material depends on the wavelength of the photon passing through it, determining its value is important for finding the rotation induced by each layer of tape for a given laser.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Interpretationreasoning§ 4.3 Rx and Rz implementation · p. 13As the two brands of tape have different rotation angles per layer, this results in twelve different rotation angles.
“As the two brands of tape have different rotation angles per layer, this results in twelve different rotation angles.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).
Premisenone given§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 19The extinction angle is exactly 90° away from the angle of maximum intensity.
“Since the extinction angle is exactly 90 ◦ away from the angle of maximum intensity”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Premisecitation§ 5.2 Deutsch algorithm implementation · p. 29The Deutsch algorithm is a simple quantum algorithm that demonstrates quantum advantage.
“The Deutsch algorithm is a simple quantum algorithm that demonstrates quantum advantage [6].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [6] Nielsen, 2000
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Premisecitation§ 4.7 More precise birefringence determination · p. 22A reduction in birefringence for longer wavelengths has also been observed by Slepkov [12] for some transparent tapes.
“A reduction in birefringence for longer wavelengths has also been observed by Slepkov [12] for some transparent tapes”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [12] Slepkov, 2022, Quantitative measurement of birefringence in transparent films across the visible spectrum, Am. J. Phys. source
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Premisenone given§ 4.10 CRx and CRy and CRz gates · p. 27The same idea of applying an Ry or Rz gate on only one of the two paths to create a CRy or CRz gate is valid.
“The same idea of applying an R y or R z gate on only one of the two paths to create a CR y or CR z gate is also valid.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Premisereasoning§ A.8 Polarizer as a measurement device · p. 35A polarizer does not correspond exactly to a true quantum measurement; a photon in the |-> state hitting a horizontal polarizer has a 50% chance of passing through as a horizontally polarized photon and a 50% chance of not passing through and being lost.
“In reality, a single photon either passes through the polarizer or it is absorbed; one will never have a vertically polarized photon pass through a horizontal polarizer. So, a photon in the |-⟩ state that hits the polarizer will have a 50% chance of passing through (as a horizontally polarized photon) or a 50% chance of not passing through and being lost.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.
Premisenone given§ 4.11 Measurement apparatus · p. 27Polarizing filters measure the polarization of a photon along a specific basis, and all photons exiting such a device are linearly polarized in the direction defined by the filter.
“Polarizing filters provide the ability to measure the polarization of a photon along a specific basis. All photons exiting such a measurement device are always linearly polarized in the direction defined by the filter.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Premisenone given§ 5.1 Inverse gates · p. 28In quantum computing, all gates have an inverse that cancels the effect of the original gate when applied afterward.
“In quantum computing, all gates have an inverse that cancels the effect of the original gate when applied afterward.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Premisereasoning§ 4.9 Calcite crystal as a CNOT gate · p. 26In the calcite CNOT setup, if the photon's polarization is vertical (q0=|1>), the photon is deviated upward toward the optical axis (q1=|1>), whereas both qubits stay in |0> otherwise.
“The physical explanation behind this behaviour is : if the polarization of the photon is vertical ( q 0 = | 1 ⟩ ), the photon is deviated upward toward the optical axis ( q 1 = | 1 ⟩ ), whereas both qubits stay in the | 0 ⟩ states otherwise .”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationreasoning§ A.8 Polarizer as a measurement device · p. 36If gates create a |-> state, then with a horizontal polarizer only 0.5*10^15 photons pass through per second and the light looks half as bright.
“If we set up the gates to create a |-⟩ state, we have 10 15 photons in the |-⟩ state per second (ignoring any photon losses up to this point). Then, for a horizontal polarizer, each photon has a 50% chance of passing through the polarizer. Thus, only 0 . 5 ∗ 10 15 photons pass through and the light looks half as bright.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
Premisenone given§ 5.2 Deutsch algorithm implementation · p. 29The Deutsch algorithm allows a single query to answer whether a transformation applied to two possible states is the same for both states or different for each state.
“When an object can take two possible states (0 and 1) and a transformation is applied to it, the Deutsch algorithm allows us to use a single query to answer the question: ' Is the transformation applied to the two possible states the same, or is it different for each state? '”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).
Premisenone given§ A.8 Polarizer as a measurement device · p. 36By rotating the polarizer to an arbitrary angle, one can measure any polarization on the x-z plane of the Bloch sphere.
“Furthermore, we can rotate the polarizer to an arbitrary angle, which allows us to measure any polarization on the x-z plane of the Bloch sphere.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
Premisenone given§ 5.2 Deutsch algorithm implementation · p. 29If the transformation is the same for both states, the measured qubit yields |0>; if different, the result is |1>.
“If the transformation is the same for both states (either both unchanged or both flipped), the measured qubit yields the result | 0 ⟩ . If the transformation is different for the two states (one flipped and the other unchanged), the result is | 1 ⟩ .”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.
Premisenone given§ 6 Conclusions · p. 30Transparent adhesive tape is birefringent, and syrup solutions are optically active.
“We generated the light with a cat laser pointer and then manipulated these polarization states using transparent adhesive tape, which is birefringent, and syrup solutions, which are optically active.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).
Premisenone given§ 5.1 Inverse gates · p. 28The Hadamard gate is its own inverse.
“One may test inverse gates for all the R x , R y , and R z gates described earlier, as well as for the Hadamard gate, which is its own inverse..”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
Interpretationreasoning§ 6 Conclusions · p. 31The setup is well suited for at home or in-class implementation, allowing students even at the high school level to gain intuition about quantum computing via a tactile method.
“Thus, this setup is well suited for at home or inclass implementation, allowing students even at the high school level to gain intuition about quantum computing via a tactile method.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Premisereasoning§ 5.2 Deutsch algorithm implementation · p. 30A photon entering the Hadamard gate in the |+> state is transformed into |0>, whereas a photon entering in the |-> state is transformed into |1>.
“A photon entering the Hadamard gate in the | + ⟩ state is transformed into the | 0 ⟩ state, whereas a photon entering in the |-⟩ state is transformed into the | 1 ⟩ state.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationreasoning§ 5.2 Deutsch algorithm implementation · p. 30If the measured state is |0>, the transformation does not modify the initial state; if |1>, the transformation does change the initial state.
“Thus, if we measure a | 0 ⟩ state, we know the transformation does not modify the initial state. For | 1 ⟩ , we know the transformation does change the initial state.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Premisenone given§ 4.11 Measurement apparatus · p. 28For one-qubit systems, the screen together with a polarizing filter makes it possible to identify the angles of full extinction and to calculate the angle of maximum intensity.
“For the one-qubit systems, the beam naturally produces a dot at a fixed location, but when used together with a polarizing filter, the screen makes it possible to identify the angles of full extinction and to calculate the angle of maximum intensity.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Premisecitation§ 4.8 Hadamard gate: maple syrup, agave syrup, and transparent tape · p. 24The Hadamard gate can be described as a rotation of 180° about an axis oriented midway between the x- and z-axes.
“The Hadamard gate is a very important quantum logic gate and can be described as a rotation of 180 ° about an axis oriented midway between the x - and z -axes [6]”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [6] Nielsen, 2000
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Premisecitation§ 5.2 Deutsch algorithm implementation · p. 29Yoganathan [2] presented a YouTube demonstration of a modified version of the Deutsch algorithm that uses only a single qubit instead of two.
“Yoganathan [2] presented a YouTube demonstration of a modified version of the Deutsch algorithm that uses only a single qubit instead of two in the original version [6].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [2] Yoganathan, 2023, What can my homemade quantum computer do?
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [6] Nielsen, 2000
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Premisenone given§ 4.11 Measurement apparatus · p. 28A solid screen measures the position of light; for 2-qubit systems, laser beams are detected either on the lower path or on the upper path.
“The screen measures the position of light. For the 2-qubit systems described earlier, the laser beams are detected either on the lower path or on the upper path.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationreasoning§ 5.2 Deutsch algorithm implementation · p. 30The modified Deutsch algorithm does not identify which of the four specific gates was used, but it reliably determines whether the underlying rotation was about the x-axis or the z-axis.
“Although this modified Deutsch algorithm does not identify which of the four specific gates was used, it reliably determines whether the underlying rotation was about the x -axis or the z -axis.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
The paper relies on this without support.
Manufacturing techniques for transparent tape are very stable and yield highly consistent products.
“although the manufacturing techniques for transparent tape are very stable and yield highly consistent products”
The paper relies on this without support.
The experimental precision of the setup is sufficient for a 182° rotation to be considered close enough to the ideal 180° Hadamard Z gate.
“This 182 ° rotation is sufficiently close to the ideal 180 ° to remain well within the experimental precision of our setup.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The calcite crystal introduces an unknown phase φ between the |00> and |11> states.
“In reality, the calcite crystal also adds an unknown phase ϕ between the two states.”
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Wrong equation cited for the minus state
MinorAppendix A.7 cites Equation A1 for a system in the |-⟩ state, but Appendix A.3 identifies Equation A2 as the equation for that state.
“For a system in the |-⟩ state and a measurement along the z -axis, Equation A1 leads to the probability P 0 of obtaining the state | 0 ⟩ as”
“For the |-⟩ state (Equation A2), it is +1 √ 2 and -1 √ 2 , respectively, as the sign is considered part of the amplitude.”
Cites
A revised Michel-Lévy interference colour chart based on first-principles calculations
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Applications of single photons to quantum communication and computing
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SU(2) Poincaré sphere: A generalized representation for multidimensional structured light
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Demonstration of Optical Rotatory Dispersion of Sucrose
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Quantum Physics: What Everyone Needs to Know®
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Use of a modified Drude's equation to investigate the optical rotation property of sugars
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Quantum Physics: What Everyone Needs to Know®
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Quantitative measurement of birefringence in transparent films across the visible spectrum
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Flagged first, then by citations
- Authors
- Lefebvre, G.
- Affiliations
- Université de Sherbrooke (CA)
- Corresponding author
- Lefebvre, Ghislain
- ORCID
- Lefebvre, Ghislain
- Venue
- Physics Education
- Publisher
- IOP Publishing
- Published
- 2026-07-22
- Volume
- 61
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 045049
- ISSN
- 0031-9120 (ISSN-L)
- 1361-6552
- OpenAlex
- W7170090463
- Semantic Scholar
- fc4f808cbf672990763ce352945be1d5f66431cf
- Cited by
- 0
- References
- 12
- FWCI
- 0.00
- Type
- journal article
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Physics Education (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Research Square (acceptedVersion, cc-by)
- arXiv (Cornell University)
- Funders
- Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie du Québec
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › Quantum Computing Algorithms and Architecture
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › Quantum Information and Cryptography
- Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics › Quantum Mechanics and Applications
- Keywords
- photonic quantum computing, single-qubit gates, Hadamard gate, two-qubit gates, calcite crystals, birefringence, maple syrup, agave syrup, optical activity, polarization qubits, quantum algorithms
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Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-23.
Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-23.
Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
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