Vector Field Visualization of Single-Qubit State Tomography

TL;DR

This paper introduces a vector field visualization method for quantum state tomography to evaluate single-qubit performance, revealing hardware features not captured by standard models and providing open-source tools for broader application.

Contribution

It develops a novel vector field visualization technique for qubit state tomography and offers an open-source protocol for hardware performance assessment.

Findings

Identifies qubit performance features overlooked by standard models

Demonstrates the protocol on IBM quantum hardware

Provides open-source software for widespread use

Abstract

As the variety of commercially available quantum computers continues to increase so does the need for tools that can characterize, verify and validate these computers. This work explores using quantum state tomography for characterizing the performance of individual qubits and develops a vector field visualization for presentation of the results. The proposed protocol is demonstrated in simulation and on quantum computing hardware developed by IBM. The results identify qubit performance features that are not reflected in the standard models of this hardware, indicating opportunities to improve the accuracy of these models. The proposed qubit evaluation protocol is provided as free open-source software to streamline the task of replicating the process on other quantum computing devices.