Quantum Computer Emulator

A way to simulate Quantum Circuits using Qubits and Quantum Gates on a classical computer to learn how to use them without accidentally bankrupting yourself.

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Inspiration

Quantum computing is one of the most exciting frontiers in technology, yet it remains extremely difficult for students and developers to experiment with. Most quantum simulators are either cloud-only, overly complex, or too slow for real-time learning.

As computer science students at Cal Poly Pomona, we were inspired by the growing need for accessible quantum education. We wanted to build a fast, local, and educational quantum computer emulator that anyone could run on their laptop — no internet or expensive hardware required. The BroncoHacks 2026 theme gave us the perfect opportunity to turn this vision into reality!

What it does

Quantum Computer Emulator is a full-stack quantum circuit simulator that allows users to:

  • Build quantum circuits interactively using common gates (H, X, Y, Z, CNOT, etc.)
  • Visualize qubits on Bloch spheres in real time
  • Run simulations and see measurement probabilities instantly
  • Explore educational documentation with detailed explanations of quantum gates, algorithms, and theory
  • Learn foundational quantum algorithms such as Deutsch-Jozsa, Grover’s, and Bell state creation

It combines a high-performance C simulation backend with a modern React frontend, making quantum computing both fast and understandable.

How we built it

We took a full-stack approach:

  • Backend: A high-performance state-vector simulator written in C for speed and efficiency.
  • Frontend: React.js with modern UI components for circuit building and visualization.
  • Documentation: A complete, self-contained HTML/CSS/JS educational page (infopage.html) with interactive 2-qubit simulator, matrices, and theory.
  • Integration: REST API connecting the C core to the React frontend.

We worked collaboratively — one teammate focused on the simulation core and backend, while the other developed the UI, documentation, and interactive learning experience.

Challenges we ran into

  • Optimizing the C simulation core to handle multi-qubit operations efficiently under time pressure.
  • Implementing accurate Bloch sphere visualizations and real-time state updates.
  • Designing an intuitive drag-and-drop circuit builder while keeping the interface clean.
  • Converting complex quantum theory into beginner-friendly educational content.
  • Integrating the C backend with the React frontend smoothly.

Debugging floating-point precision issues in quantum state normalization was especially tricky!

Accomplishments that we're proud of

  • Successfully implementing a working quantum simulator with both C core and modern web UI in under 36 hours.
  • Creating a beautiful, fully responsive educational documentation page that stands on its own.
  • Achieving real-time visualization of quantum states (Bloch spheres + probabilities).
  • Building something that is genuinely useful for students learning quantum computing.
  • Delivering a complete, polished product with documentation, demo, and source code.

What we learned

  • Deepened our understanding of quantum information theory (especially gate matrices and state evolution).
  • Improved skills in performance-oriented C programming and numerical computing.
  • Learned how to rapidly integrate low-level languages with modern web frameworks.
  • The importance of clear educational design when explaining complex technical topics.
  • How to collaborate effectively under tight hackathon deadlines.

What's next for Quantum Computer Emulator

We plan to continue development after the hackathon by:

  • Adding support for more qubits and larger circuits
  • Implementing additional algorithms (Grover’s, Shor’s, VQE)
  • Introducing full Dirac bra-ket notation support, allowing users to input and visualize quantum states directly in standard mathematical notation
  • Adding circuit saving/loading and export features
  • Creating a gallery of pre-built example circuits
  • Packaging it as an easy-to-install desktop application
  • Expanding the educational content into a full interactive textbook

Our ultimate goal is to make this the go-to open-source tool for learning and teaching quantum computing.

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