Quantum Brain-Computer Interface

As the importance of quantum technologies is rapidly rising, e.g., in cyber security domain, further surge applications of such systems in various domains are expected in near term. In fact, the integration of quantum technologies with classical systems is inevitable in many disciplines, particularly as quantum devices are becoming more accessible. Among the various areas in which quantum technologies can potentially provide important complementary contributions, the area of Brain Computer Interface (BCI) has yet to be explored. The two areas of experimental photon quantum mechanics and BCI are brought together in this paper, for the first time. The applications of EEG signals to the control of mechanical systems, for example controlling drones remotely with brain wave signals, have been studied by various researchers. This paper presents the mechanism in which an EEG device is used to control the quantum properties in quantum experimental setups. In particular, a brain wave signal is used in changing the polarization of photons using a motorized half-waveplate in pre-built quantum entanglement and quantum cryptography experiments. This, in fact shows the mechanism on how quantum-BCI can be integrated as a system, before BCI-based control can be applied to hybrid classical-quantum systems, such as quantum experiments mounted on robotic platforms. The mechatronics of such systems is explained in this paper. This paper also outlines the necessary educational aspects of quantum related topics for students who have not traditionally exposed to quantum mechanics in their discipline, such as mechanical, aerospace, and electromechanical engineering students, which indeed is an essential step in preparing the next generation of engineering workforce for the fast-changing industry, the R&D sectors and academia. The quantum mechanics education and training steps in the mechatronics course and senior design projects are particularly promoted and discussed here.