University of Melbourne launches app to demystify quantum computing

The University of Melbourne will today launch a public version of an online app to learn how to program a quantum computer.

The University of Melbourne's quantum user interface which helps students learn how to program a quantum computer.

The University of Melbourne will today launch a public version of an online application to learn how to program a quantum computer.

Unlike other apps which lead students through the principles of quantum computing, Melbourne’s approach not only allows students to program a virtual quantum computer, but also leads them through the computing process step by step so they can see what the machine does.

It is a look inside the workings of a quantum computer, which is normally shielded from view because a real machine would stop the moment its internal quantum states were observed.

“We are pretty confident this is a unique system. It’s because we thought very carefully about how we want to teach this,” said Lloyd Hollenberg, the University of Melbourne quantum physicist who led the project.

This year the simulation has been used to teach a master’s level introduction to quantum computing class and the university is working on adapting the course for bachelor degree level.

It does not require a high level of maths or quantum physics to do the course — only a knowledge of complex numbers, linear algebra and matrices. “I would hope that even high school students in year 12 … who are interested in coding, will be able to access this system,” Professor Hollenberg said. But he stressed that quantum computing required a new way of thinking which was quite different to regular computer coding.

He said quantum computers were developing rapidly and it was important for there to be broader knowledge of how they worked and what they were capable of.

“I think now is the time we need to start training the next generation of programmers who will understand how to program these machines,” he said.

Professor Hollenberg said he hoped the app would help demystify quantum computers. “There’s a lot of hype out there,” he said.

The app can be accessed at QUIspace.org and there are also videos to help newcomers understand the system.