We present the Virtual Quantum Device (VQD) platform, a system based on the
QuEST quantum emulator. Through the use of VQDs, non-expert users can emulate
specific quantum computers with detailed error models, bespoke gate sets and
connectivities. The platform boasts an intuitive interface, powerful
visualisation, and compatibility with high-performance computation for
effective testing and optimisation of complex quantum algorithms or ideas
across a range of quantum computing hardware. We create and explore five
families of VQDs corresponding to trapped ions, nitrogen-vacancy-centres,
neutral atom arrays, silicon quantum dot spins, and superconducting devices.
Each is highly configurable through a set of tailored parameters. We showcase
the key characteristics of each virtual device, providing practical examples of
the tool's usefulness and highlighting each device's specific attributes. By
offering user-friendly encapsulated descriptions of diverse quantum hardware,
the VQD platform offers researchers the ability to rapidly explore algorithms
and protocols in a realisitic setting; meanwhile hardware experts can create
their own VQDs to compare with their experiments.Comment: 21 pages, 17 figures, comments are welcom