Pepi Ng
NYC-based creative technologist,
designer and community organizer
[a]synchro-nous
An immersive, artistic installation that uses water, oscillation, music and projections to represent the uncertainty and probability present in quantum systems.
- Exhibited in Microscope Gallery’s Quantum Art Exhibition
Introduction
We experimented with IBM's Quantum Composer to create a quantum circuit composed of two qubits in superposition. However, because today's quantum computers are not perfect, we soon realized that while superposition allows two qubits to be reliant on each other, random noise disrupts the perfect symmetry. This leads us to the question: What happens to a complex system when one part falls out of order?
(A) Initial Prototype
Design process
State (0, 0) is represented by our first medium- the visual projections.
State (1, 1) is represnted by our second medium, sound.
By overlapping the two mediums, we show the "in between" states of the qubits- the uncertainty of their states, and prove that one cannot know their states until one measures them.
Projections representing state (0,0)
Each projection (created in p5.js) represents one qubit in state 0
If both qubits are in state 0, the projection is a symmetrical pattern because the qubits are entangled.
Every now and then, the pattern on either projection glitches.
This disruption of the perfect symmetry is caused by noise- when the qubits are in state [0,1] or [1,0]
Projections representing state [0,0] and the
noise that occurs
Sound representing state (1,1)
Each speaker represents one qubit in state 1.
The Quantum Music Composer enabled us to create a bass audio with state [1,1].
The bass audio is played through the two speakers, which create sound saves of different amplitudes and frequencies.
This sound energy is then converted into kinetic energy in the water, creating interesting waveforms in the petri dishes.
Bass audio with quantum state [1,1] created with Quantum Music Composer
Sound energy from the speakers under the petri dishes converted to kinetic energy in the water.
Integrating sound + projections
Due to the water movement caused by the oscillation from the speakers, the p5.js projection in each petri dish is warped according to the [1,1] state of the quantum circuit.
As a result, the final projection on the ceiling is influenced by the [0,0], [1,1] and noise states.
Final projection influenced by [0,0] and [1,1] states.
Video explanation of our first prototype:
(B) Second and final prototype
Design process
However, because we could not play music out loud, we had to find another way to make the water in the petri dish vibrate so that the projected image in the petri dish can be warped as well.
At the same time, we had to figure out a way to allow the user to hear the changes in frequency/ oscillations.
We came up with this configuration:
Behind the scenes!
Attaching the vibrating discs to our custom 3D-printed petri dish:
Setting up touch designer to work with Arduino + Ableton:
Setting up for exhibition:
(C) Exhibition @ Microscope Gallery
Credits
- Thank you to the best collaborators: Theingi Thann, Julia Daser!
- Brian Ingmanson from IBM who gave us a lot of guidance on Ableton Push + Quantum Music Playground
- James Weaver's Quantum Music Playground
- IBM for giving us this opportunity to participate in the hackathon + exhibit our work
- Microscope Gallery for lending us the space
- Maya Georgieva for curating the exhibition + being our biggest hypewoman, cheerleader and supporter ❤️!