Quantum Xperience – Visualisation of aspects of quantum computing in virtual reality

Project duration: 01.10.2025 – 31.12.2026

ApplicationsVisualisation

Quantum Xperience interactively shows the world of quantum computing.

We develop three-dimensional and interactive visualisations of abstract quantum computing phenomena using VR technology. These are suitable for knowledge transfer, as exhibits in live communication or for recruiting young talent.

In the Quantum Xperience project, we are developing an existing VR application for the visualisation of quantum computing for outreach purposes such as trade fairs, events, training courses and for exhibition in the DLR QCI Labs. In particular, the quantum phenomenon of entanglement and the functioning of quantum computing hardware will be visualised. In cooperation with a quantum computer manufacturer, we will visualise the functionality of a concrete, physical quantum computing implementation, for example with neutral atoms. This will create a link to the actual physical implementation.

Motivation

Quantum physics is one of the most fascinating and at the same time most complex disciplines in modern physics and also forms the basis of many modern technologies, which are divided into the domains of quantum sensor technology & quantum metrology, quantum communication, quantum simulation and quantum computing. At the same time, however, it is often difficult for non-specialists to grasp, as many phenomena, such as quantum entanglement and quantum teleportation, are not known in everyday life. The potential of quantum physics is therefore often difficult for these groups to appreciate. For this reason, knowledge transfer plays a crucial role – especially when it comes to making complex quantum phenomena accessible to the general public. With our immersive VR experience, we want to significantly change the way knowledge about quantum physics and its applications is communicated and lead to a deeper, more intuitive understanding, even among those who are not familiar with the subject.

The challenge

With ground-breaking developments in quantum computing technology and the increasing importance of quantum mechanical concepts in research, understanding this material is becoming ever more important. One promising technology that could revolutionise the learning process is virtual reality (VR). However, quantum computing applications in VR are currently hardly available, although this platform offers the possibility of teaching deep and spatial thinking. This is mainly due to the high complexity of this discipline. In Quantum Xperience, we set ourselves the challenge of visualising concepts such as superposition and entanglement as well as the functioning of quantum hardware in a new way in VR without overwhelming users. For example, we want to use hand tracking for a higher level of immersion.