Programming the Quantum Computer

This project will develop a full software stack for programming quantum computers, e.g., the Swedish quantum computer being built at Chalmers. At the top of this stack are quantum algorithms designed to work on near-term quantum computers, which are limited by noise. The next layer in the stack are compilation steps ensuring that the algorithm fits the constraints of the quantum hardware (limited connectivity between quantum bits, few quantum gates available, etc.), has minimal run time, and can be converted to control signals for the quantum processor. We will in parallel develop fast classical simulations of quantum algorithms to aid the optimisation of each layer in the stack.

We have assembled an interdisciplinary team of top computer scientists and quantum physicists, with large in-kind contributions from experts in both fields, supported by the big Wallenberg centres for quantum technology and artificial intelligence (WACQT and WASP), which provide an excellent research environment. We will recruit 4 PhD students and 4 postdocs, who will leverage techniques from both computer science and quantum physics to optimize all parts of the software stack.

The project is expected to result in significant improvements on multiple levels of the software stack for quantum computers, bringing useful quantum computing closer to fruition. Intellectual property and spin-off companies from the project will be handled in a structure set up by WACQT for quantum-technology research results.

Funding