Chapter 1: Sonifications of Quantum Superpositions: Methods and Musical Applications
This chapter provides an introduction to the structure of quantum states and outlines a general method for sonifying such states. Quantum systems exist in a superposition of multiple states simultaneously, and sonifications can serve as useful auditory representations of component states in such systems. These sonifications could allow one to “listen” to a simulated quantum system without measuring it and could provide interesting creative resources for composers and musicians. The sonification method has three steps: determine a distinct sound for each basis state, find the measurement probabilities of each basis state, and modulate the sound based on those values. We provide a detailed investigation into each step of the sonification process, examining several approaches as well as technical and creative considerations. We also consider extensions to the base approach, including incorporating stochasticism, accounting for quantum phase, handling time evolution, and sonifying physical systems. Musical examples are heavily sprinkled throughout, including fully-worked-through pieces.