Quantum Theory with Pictures Only

Quantum theory was formulated in the 1920s and 1930s, yet it took about 60 years to discover quantum teleportation. Perhaps, this delayed ‘quantum leap’ can be attributed to the limitations of the prevalent mathematical formalism of quantum theory. Following this Wittgensteinian train of thought, a deeper understanding of quantum physics might be possible if newer mathematical tools are deployed to study it. I will talk about a recently proposed formalism of quantum theory, called Quantum Picturalism. Having its roots in category theory, this pictorial toolbox is based on how systems compose — which sits well with quantum interactions and entanglement. Even though the formalism looks like kindergarten drawings, it makes the study of quantum processes intuitive, can be used to teach a first course in quantum theory and is actively being used to do research in quantum foundations, quantum computing, cognition and even linguistics.

Speaker’s Profile: Muhammad Hamza Waseem is pursuing a DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics as a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford. His research areas are quantum magnonics and hybrid quantum systems. During his undergraduate studies in electrical engineering from UET Lahore, Hamza helped develop pedagogical optics experiments and establishment of a lab at PhysLab, LUMS, and contributed to research on optical metasurfaces at ITU, Lahore. Hamza is also an author (with Dr Muhammad Sabieh Anwar) of the book, Quantum Mechanics in the Single Photon Laboratory, published by the Institute of Physics (IOP). Hamza is also an active Science Communicator, who has co-founded Spectra, an online science magazine and is a key organizer of the KSS Lahore Science Mela series.