Quantum Computing Simulator

About this page

This page guides users through the Quantum Computing Simulator, including those new to quantum computing.

The simulator comes pre-configured with standard quantum states and gates, so you can start running simulations immediately.

Quick Start

  1. Go to Simulations
  2. Click "Run New Simulation"
  3. Select an initial state, a gate, and number of shots
  4. View your results!

Understanding the Concepts

States

Quantum states represent the initial configuration of a qubit. Each state is defined by complex amplitudes α and β, where |ψ⟩ = α|0⟩ + β|1⟩. The simulator includes 6 standard quantum states:

  • |0⟩ - Zero state (ground state)
  • |1⟩ - One state (excited state)
  • |+⟩ - Plus state (equal superposition)
  • |-⟩ - Minus state (superposition with phase flip)
  • |i⟩ - i state (superposition with +i phase)
  • |-i⟩ - Minus-i state (superposition with -i phase)

You can also create custom states if needed. Custom states must satisfy the normalization condition: |α|² + |β|² = 1.

Gates

Quantum gates are operations that transform quantum states. The simulator includes 5 standard gates:

  • |X| - Pauli-X (bit flip)
  • |Y| - Pauli-Y (bit and phase flip)
  • |Z| - Pauli-Z (phase flip)
  • |H| - Hadamard (creates superposition)
  • |I| - Identity (no change)

Simulations

This is where you run quantum experiments. A simulation applies a gate to an initial state and performs multiple "shots" (measurements). Each shot collapses the quantum state to either |0⟩ or |1⟩ based on the probability amplitudes.

To run a simulation:

  1. Click "Run New Simulation"
  2. Select an initial state (e.g., |0⟩)
  3. Select a gate (e.g., |H| for Hadamard)
  4. Choose number of shots (5-100)
  5. Click "Run Simulation"

A progress window will appear showing the simulation status. When complete, click "View Results" to see the outcome distribution.

Results

View measurement results from your simulations. Select a simulation from the dropdown to see:

  • A histogram showing the distribution of |0⟩ vs |1⟩ outcomes
  • An interpretation explaining what the results mean
  • Detailed shot data with individual measurement values

Example: Creating Superposition

Try this classic quantum experiment:

  1. Go to Simulations
  2. Select Zero state (|0⟩) as the initial state
  3. Select H Gate (|H|) as the gate
  4. Set shots to 100
  5. Run the simulation

The Hadamard gate transforms |0⟩ into an equal superposition of |0⟩ and |1⟩. You should see approximately 50% of shots measuring |0⟩ and 50% measuring |1⟩.

Tips

  • Use the Reset Database button in the sidebar to restore default data
  • Standard states (|0⟩, |1⟩, |+⟩, |-⟩, |i⟩, |-i⟩) cannot be edited or deleted
  • Deleting a state will also delete any simulations that used it
  • Only one simulation can run at a time per browser session