Backends
Backends are the quantum simulators and hardware devices where your jobs execute. The platform provides a unified interface across multiple providers.
Available backends
Marqov Simulators
| Backend | Slug | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marqov Simulator | marqov-sim | Simulator | Free | Default backend. Local state-vector simulation. |
Quantum Brilliance
| Backend | Slug | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statevector Simulator | qb-sim-statevector | Simulator | Free | Full state vector extraction available. |
| Tensor Network Simulator | qb-sim-tensor-network | Simulator | Free | Efficient for large, low-entanglement circuits. |
| Noisy Aer Simulator | qb-sim-noisy-aer | Simulator | Free | Configurable noise model (gate errors, T1/T2, readout). |
AWS Braket Cloud Simulators
| Backend | Slug | Type | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| SV1 (State Vector) | sv1 | Simulator | Task fee + per-shot |
| DM1 (Density Matrix) | dm1 | Simulator | Task fee + per-shot |
| TN1 (Tensor Network) | tn1 | Simulator | Task fee + per-shot |
AWS Braket Quantum Hardware
| Backend | Slug | Type | Qubits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IonQ Aria 1 | ionq-aria-1 | QPU | 25 |
| IonQ Aria 2 | ionq-aria-2 | QPU | 25 |
| IonQ Forte 1 | ionq-forte-1 | QPU | 36 |
| Rigetti Ankaa-2 | rigetti-ankaa-2 | QPU | 84 |
| Rigetti Ankaa-3 | rigetti-ankaa-3 | QPU | 84 |
| IQM Garnet | iqm-garnet | QPU | — |
| IQM Emerald | iqm-emerald | QPU | — |
| QuEra Aquila | quera-aquila | QPU | 256 (analog) |
Azure Quantum
| Backend | Slug | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Quantinuum H1 (syntax checker) | quantinuum-h1-sc | Validator |
| Quantinuum H2 (syntax checker) | quantinuum-h2-sc | Validator |
| Quantinuum H1 (emulator) | quantinuum-h1-e | Simulator |
| Quantinuum H2 (emulator) | quantinuum-h2-e | Simulator |
| Quantinuum H1 | quantinuum-h1 | QPU |
| Quantinuum H2 | quantinuum-h2 | QPU |
| IonQ Simulator | ionq-sim | Simulator |
| IonQ (via Azure) | azure-ionq | QPU |
| Rigetti QVM | rigetti-qvm | Simulator |
Pricing structure
Each backend has three pricing components:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Task fee | Fixed cost charged per job submission. |
| Per-shot cost | Cost multiplied by the number of shots. |
| Minimum cost | The floor price for any job on that backend (you always pay at least this amount). |
Marqov and Quantum Brilliance simulators are free (all three components are zero). AWS Braket and Azure Quantum backends charge based on their provider pricing.
Cost is estimated before job submission. If the estimated cost exceeds your team’s remaining budget, the job is rejected.
Choosing the right backend
| Use case | Recommended backend |
|---|---|
| Learning and prototyping | marqov-sim (free, fast) |
| Noise-aware simulation | qb-sim-noisy-aer (free, configurable noise) |
| Large circuits (low entanglement) | qb-sim-tensor-network or tn1 |
| Full state vector analysis | qb-sim-statevector |
| Density matrix simulation | dm1 |
| Running on real hardware (trapped ion) | ionq-aria-1, ionq-forte-1, or Quantinuum |
| Running on real hardware (superconducting) | rigetti-ankaa-2, iqm-garnet |
| Quick browser-based testing | Use the Playground in Browser mode (no backend needed) |
Backend requirements
Some backends require provider credentials configured in your team settings:
- AWS Braket backends require AWS Access Key ID and Secret Access Key
- Azure Quantum backends require Subscription ID, Resource Group, Workspace Name, and Location
- IonQ Direct requires an IonQ API Key
See Team Management for instructions on configuring credentials.
Backend API
The backend list is available as a public API endpoint:
GET /api/backendsNo authentication required. Returns all available backends with pricing, status, qubit counts, and metadata. Responses are cached (CDN: 5 minutes, client: 10 minutes).