Graphical User Interface Development for the CQN Virtual Testbed

The Center for Quantum Networks (CQN) is seeking a talented UI developer to create an open-source interactive graphical interface for our quantum simulation tools. The platform should enable users to design, simulate, and manage quantum networks seamlessly, drawing inspiration from tools like https://research.cisco.com/research-projects/qnet-lab and https://www.quantum-network.com/. The actual simulation backend is a separate project, independent of the GUI development work discussed here.

The contract is expected to be between 20k$ and 60k$ depending on the scope of the proposal. It is expected to take 2 to 6 months, depending on scope. The contract will be through the NumFOCUS foundation, sponsored by the NSF Engineering Research Center for Quantum Networks. Follow-up contracts for more sophisticated features can be considered on successful first stage completion.

The selected developer will create a GUI that prioritizes usability, flexibility, and real-time interactivity for quantum network simulation purposes. The interface should include the features described below.

Base Features:

• Develop an interface that allows users to easily create networks by placing nodes and edges using drag-and-drop functionality.
• Visual graph editor through which one can draw an abstract graph of nodes and connections between such nodes. General purpose “metadata data” editor should be available, for describing the hardware at each node or edge of the graph.
• Allow users to create and manage multiple experiments and provide an easy way to apply pre-defined “protocols” running on the network’s nodes.
• Enable users to assign processes or metadata to edges and nodes in the network with simple, interactive controls.
• Map overlay: the graph editor should be able to draw a graph on top of an arbitrary map, e.g. from Open Street Maps.
• Design a panel to display the current state of the network, including real-time updates and changes, as provided by the already existing simulation backend.
• Add functionality for a time tracker to monitor network events, along with controls to pause, play, or adjust time progression (features already available in the existing non-GUI simulation backend).
• Visualization callbacks: each node or edge of the graph should be able to visualize various metadata (figures of merit, states of quantum memories, etc) as computed by the simulation backend and provided through pre-defined callbacks.
• Side panels for arbitrary plots: an API should be defined for visualizing time-dependent figures of merit as computed by the simulation backend, e.g. by having panels with WGLMakie plots.
• Side panels for arbitrary parameter input: an API should be defined for providing sliders that can modify simulation parameters as the simulation is running (through callbacks that already exist in the simulation backend). Using Makie’s Observables is one possible way to implement those as this is a capability that the non-GUI simulation backend already has.
• Integrate panels to display system logs or detailed information about actions taken on the network.
• Saving and Loading of pre-defined simulations: an API should be available for serializing the state of the graph from the visual graph editor, as well as for loading already pre-defined side panels and figures-of-merit plots.

These capabilities already exist in the non-GUI simulation backend. This project is chiefly for providing a graphical interface to them. Any non-GUI work necessary for the graphical development will be executed by the CQN team.

Qualifications:

• Experience in developing graphical user interfaces.
• Familiarity with the Julia ecosystem.
• Familiarity with quantum information science or coding methodologies is a plus.
• Good communication skills.

Please submit a proposal to skrastanov@umass.edu including:

• A brief explanation of your experience, particularly in GUI design for similar projects.
• A draft timeline of work, with an expectation of project completion within 2 to 6 months.
• A draft quote detailing the total cost for the project.

Stefan Krastanov, the point of contact at the Center for Quantum Networks, will be available for one-on-one discussions and brainstorming sessions in advance of proposal submission, if that would be of help. Just message him to schedule a meeting.