Teaching Quantum Computing with Augmented Reality

The MARVLS Augmented Reality (AR) Apps are designed to allow students to visualize abstract 3D physics concepts, link 2D representations to 3D models, and link variables in equations to physical objects in the 3D models. The MARVLS Apps use the camera on the phone or tablet to place the digital model visually onto the Merge cube and then change the orientation of the AR model in response to the user rotating the Merge cube. The AR scenes are developed in the Unity development platform that includes drag and drop functionality, animations, and C# coding.

Many of the AR scenes in the Apps were developed through a collaboration of faculty and students through an undergraduate summer research program that provides paid experiences for students to participate in research. The faculty members identify different physics concepts that students have difficulty visualizing and together with the student researchers, the AR scenes are designed.

Coding is often used to manipulate the digital objects defined in the design criteria. Students learn the C# programming language through the Unity Learn system, youtube videos, and AI resources. They implement the code and make modifications as necessary to meet the design criteria.

The MARVLS: Quantum Computing App was developed for the American Physical Society to be included in their 2025 PhysicsQuest lessons. An undergraduate student participated in the design and development of the AR scenes, the game objects, animations, scripting, and the user interactions.

This talk will describe the process of creating the Apps through the Unity development platform and illustrate some examples of the coding needed to meet the design criteria of the AR scenes.