Black Opal
Black Opal for Quantum Computing Beginners
Go from zero background to programming real quantum computers
Start your learning journey into quantum technology with Black Opal
Black Opal is a revolutionary interactive online learning platform designed to make quantum computing accessible to everyone. Whether you're a student, a developer curious about the field, or represent a business looking to empower your workforce, Black Opal guides you through the basics of quantum computing to advanced programming skills.
Discover Black Opal’s 10 learning modules
Introduction
So you’ve heard of quantum technology and how it’s going to revolutionize, well, everything. How do we know that and how does it work?
What is quantum computing?
How do quantum computers work?
Will quantum computers break the internet?
How to build a quantum computer
Analogy toolbox
Superposition
This skill introduces the superposition principle. You'll gain insight into where this principle comes from, why it is necessary, and what you can do with it.
What is quantum computing?
Superposition in a jump rope
Superposition in the quantum world
Superposition in the abstract
Superposition in quantum computing
Qubits
Start with some fundamentals in how we represent information and by the end of this skill you'll understand how we can encode and process information using quantum physics!
It from bit
Qubit from bit
The Bloch circle
Do you |ket⟩ it?
The Bloch sphere
Measurement
Measurement the destructor. What does it mean to measure something in general? What does it mean to measure something in quantum physics? Discover the dirty secrets about measurement in quantum computing.
Bloch party
Randomness rules
Get real
What’s the problem?
Circuits
How do we represent the programs to be run on quantum computers? After this skill you'll be able to decipher some of the cool diagrams you see in the field.
Single qubit warm-up
Double the fun
More, more, more!
You, quantum mechanic
Quantum search
Entanglement
Einstein called it "spooky action at a distance." It's not so spooky, but it may be extremely useful! Discover the most quintessential concept in quantum physics.
Bird’s eye view
Correlations and kets
Creating entanglement
Entanglement in the wild
Variables in hiding
Visualizing entanglement in quantum computers
Noise
Why don't we have useful quantum computers yet? Learn what's holding us back through an understanding of how noise and interference affect quantum computers.
NISQy business
Bloching noise
Controlling noise
Error correction
Control
Learn all about quantum control and how it is used to create quantum gates and combat noise.
Paradigm shifts
Making gates
Noise be gone
Quantum optimization
Speedup
An introduction to the prototypical quantum algorithms that exhibit known speedup over the best classical algorithms.
What is complexity?
Deutsch-Jozsa
Shor’s algorithm
Grover speedups
Programming
Are you ready for the trenches? This skill pits you against the challenges of programming a real quantum computer — assembly code, compiling, qubit topology, and more!
Gate, set, match
Compiling
Code
Quantum optimization
Simple pricing for all
Try Black Opal for free then upgrade to complete your skills.
Basic
$0
Try Black Opal for Free
Start learning quantum computing
Access on mobile, tablet and desktop
Start learning fundamental concepts
Progress tracking
Limited activities
Single qubit sandbox
Community access
Pro
$9.99
$19.99
USD / month
Save $120
Intuitively understand the fundamentals behind quantum computing
Everything in Basic, plus:
Access all Beginner and Intermediate skills
250+ activities
Multi-qubit sandbox
Completion badges
Intro to quantum certificate
Organizations
For Enterprise and Educators
Empower your students, team, or customers with the best quantum education platform
Everything in Pro, plus:
Access all Advanced skills
400+ activities
Course customization
Visual coding environment
Performance analytics
Single-click deployment and user management tools
Concurrent licenses
Quantum fundamentals certificate
Loved by our community
Undoubtedly the best tool I have seen. The interactiveness helps to visualize the problems for better understanding, even for someone with a physics background and prior knowledge on the topic.
Rafiul Nakib
Quantum Computing Research Intern
,
This course is amazing. Orders of magnitude easier to follow than any other quantum computing learning resource I've come across. Really looking forward to the skills that are coming soon.
Kevin Carr
Senior Software Engineer
,
Black Opal is the best educational tool to learn about quantum computing in a visual way that makes it easier to understand the main topics like superposition, qubits, entanglement, and noise.
Jose Finocchio
Business Development in Education
,
Amazing for anyone who doesn't have a PhD or a Master's degree like me. It's easy to understand with bite sized exercises and mini tests so you retain knowledge.
Hannaah S.
Physics Student
,
Black Opal is the best educational tool around quantum control and computation I've seen so far. I love the graphical interfaces as well.
John K.
Engineer
,
Black Opal is amazing, I've upgraded to a Pro subscription. Explaining complex topics in simple terms - that's brilliant.
Ivan Verkalets
CTO and Founder
,
In every Pro subscription you get
Self guided program
Learn at your own pace
Proficiency challenges
Test your knowledge as you progress
Black Opal Community access
Connect with fellow learners
Learning streaks and progress tracking
Stay motivated while you learn
Completion badges and certification
Unlock and share your achievements
Access to Intermediate and Advanced skills
Complete over 250 activities
Black Opal
Start your quantum journey
Frequently asked questions
What is quantum sensing?
Quantum sensing leverages quantum mechanics to achieve unprecedented precision and sensitivity in measuring physical quantities. Unlike classical sensing techniques, quantum sensing exploits the unique properties of atoms and particles to provide enhanced performance in a wide variety of sensing applications.
What are the quantum sensing applications for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT)?
Quantum sensors are used for precise navigation and monitoring of defense and commercial systems. Current and future applications include aerospace, maritime and unmanned vehicles such as self-driving systems.
How do I integrate these sensors into existing platforms?
Our team has extensive experience incorporating quantum sensors into new and existing platforms. Get in touch to discuss how this capability fits into your development plans.
Why do I need quantum sensors?
Quantum sensors operate differently from conventional sensors, making them:
- More reliable
- Less vulnerable to signal jamming
- Less affected by electromagnetic interference
This gives quantum sensors an advantage over current sound and light based sensors, which are increasingly susceptible to interference issues.