Interactive Visualisation for Understanding Quantum States and Quantum Noise
Future Software Technologies
Semester programme:Master Applied IT
Research group:Future Software
Project group members:Mateja Vojvodic
Project description
The project topic revolves around creating visualisations which would help users to better understand quantum phenomena.
Context
Quantum computing is an emerging field with the potential to solve computational problems that are difficult or impossible for classical computers. However, many quantum phenomena, such as superposition, entanglement, coherence, phase relationships, and quantum noise, remain difficult to understand due to their abstract mathematical nature and the limited availability of intuitive visualisations. This research aims to examine how interactive visualisations can support the understanding of quantum states and quantum noise for users with limited prior knowledge of quantum phenomena and quantum computing.
Existing quantum visualisations were explored, and an interactive prototype was designed and implemented using Python as a result of the research. The prototype uses Hinton-style density matrix visualisations and adaptive circle-based visualisations with support for multiple predefined quantum states, including product states, superposition states, Bell states, GHZ states, W states, Grover algorithm examples, and also custom user-defined states. On top of that, the prototype includes educational support features such as guided learning paths, contextual explanations, hover-based interpretation, and interactive quantum noise-based
scenarios and comparisons.
The prototype was evaluated through qualitative analysis using representative quantum computing scenarios and feedback collected from an interview by a participant belonging to the intended target group. Furthermore, recommendations were obtained from a UI/UX specialist and incorporated into subsequent design iterations.
Results indicate that both visualisation techniques provide complementary perspectives. The advantage of adaptive circle notation is that it improves readability and initial interpretability, while Hinton diagrams give users a more complete representation of coherence relationships, phase information, and quantum noise.
This research shows that interactive visualisation techniques can contribute to improved understanding of quantum states and quantum noise and provides a foundation for future educational quantum visualisation tools.
Results
This research focuses primarily on educational visualisation purposes of quantum phenomena rather than the physical accuracy of quantum hardware. The simulation prototype was developed for the purpose of proof-of-concept of different visualisations and users' interpretability.
An important outcome of the evaluation was the observation that educational effectiveness is influenced not only by the visualisations themselves but also by the overall user experience of the application. Feedback obtained from both the participant evaluation and a consultation with a UI/UX specialist highlighted several opportunities for improving usability.
This research investigated how interactive visualisation techniques can support the understanding of quantum states and quantum noise for users with limited prior knowledge of quantum computing. A literature study identified limitations in existing educational visualisation approaches and highlighted the need for representations that remain interpretable for both single-qubit and multi-qubit systems. Based on these findings, an interactive prototype was designed and implemented using Python, combining Hinton-style density matrix visualisations with adaptive circle notation, educational guidance features, and interactive quantum noise simulation.