Interactive Sonification of a 2D Quantum Simulation

Abstract

Based on the question of combining quantum system simulations, sonification (representation of data as sound), and interactive musical controls, this thesis shows a way to design and implement a software musical instrument with these qualities, QSynth2. The approaches to finding the design decisions and configurations are of exploratory nature, with an open process that shapes the results through expert feedback, technical capabilities and interview results. The work comprises interdisciplinary aspects. It builds on the behaviour of dynamic quantum physical systems, implementing a two-dimensional numerical simulation of the foundational Schrödinger equation. The simulation data is turned into sound using two tonal sonification methods. The sounds are playable on a multi-parameter keyboard, which allows for interactive parameter control through the hardware. The technical implementation of the resulting QSynth2 is achieved, it is usable as a musical instrument and also has potential for live performances. As a standard audio plugin, it can reach a broad audience and might motivate beginners to learn more about quantum physics by approaching it in a "musical" way. More exploration is necessary to fully understand its possibilities.