Quantum composer: A programmable quantum visualization and simulation tool for education and research

Making quantum mechanical equations and concepts come to life through interactive simulation and visualization are commonplace for augmenting learning and teaching. However, graphical visualizations nearly always exhibit a set of hard-coded functionalities while corresponding text-based codes offer a higher degree of flexibility at the expense of steep learning curves or time investments. We introduce Quantum Composer, which allows the user to build, expand, or explore quantum mechanical simulations by interacting with graphically connectable nodes, each corresponding to a physical concept, mathematical operation, visualization, etc. Abstracting away numerical and programming details while at the same time retaining accessibility, emphasis on understanding, and rapid feedback mechanisms, we illustrate through a series of examples its open-ended applicability in both introductory and advanced quantum mechanics courses, student projects, and for visual exploration within research environments.