Quantum Simulation

If you want to get a closer look at quantum computing right now, you can use simulators to get a good start in the world of QuBits, quantum networks and tap-proof quantum protocols. The article offers practical examples of simulation software and platforms.

The idea of quantum simulation dates back to a speech of the famous theoretical physicist Richard Feynman in 1981, who recognized that the computational power of conventional computers is not sufficient to compute complex quantum systems, but that it takes a “simpler” quantum system as a “simulator” to emulate a much more complex system. An important step towards universal quantum computers. It means that quantum simulators can be applied to recreate quantum effects through simpler, easier-to-control hardware systems. In contrast to this, the here presented quantum simulators focus on another aspect: Software-based simulators to recreate and understand certain aspects of quantum computing and quantum communication.

Simulator	Access	Simulator especially suitable for
IBM Quantum/Qiskit The IBM Quantum/Qiskit online platform not only enables specially created quantum circuits to be executed on real quantum hardware, but also to work exclusively in the web browser, since all the necessary tools are already onboard.	Web-based platform with quantum hardware, Self-installation	Circuits
Quantum Network Explorer Quantum Network Explorer is an online tool developed by QuTech for simulation and programming and is particularly suitable for distributed applications. Examples are already available, so that neither an installation nor the programming of own circuits is necessary. The tool is purely web-based and has a clear visualization.	Web-based platform	Networks
QKDSimulator For testing and visualizing of the BB84 quantum key distribution protocol. On this platform, various parameters for the key exchange can be set via a graphical user interface. Parameters for configuring the quantum channel can be flexibly set using simple sliders.	Web-based platform	Networks
SQUANCH SQUANCH allows you to create network topologies and test protocols, but also has tools to simulate quantum technology at the circuit level.	Self-installation	Networks
QuNetSim QuNetSim is suitable for quick and easy testing of protocols. The software simulates the network layer in a quantum network without the user having to worry about routing between hosts. In addition, the simulator has mechanisms to control synchronization in the network.	Self-installation	Networks
SeQUeNCe SeQUeNCe is a freely available open source simulator that can be used to simulate factors such as time and damping on the generation and transmission of quantum states in networks. Suitable for testing processes in the hardware and link layer.	Self-installation	Networks

Version: 06.09.2022