Approaching Quantum Utility by Leveraging Quantum Software Stack

This paper examines how software can help improve the practical performance of quantum computers and accelerate progress toward useful quantum computing.

It focuses on quantum middleware: the software layer between high-level quantum algorithms and the underlying hardware. This layer can optimize circuits, map computations onto physical qubits, reduce the impact of noise and errors, and provide more direct control over how quantum programs are compiled and executed.

The paper introduces the concept of Quantum Computing Optimization Middleware (QCOM) as a reference architecture for combining these capabilities in a structured way. It reviews optimization opportunities across different parts of the software stack, including circuit simplification, qubit mapping and routing, error suppression and mitigation, and lower-level machine instructions.

It also discusses tools such as Qiskit, Q#, and OpenQASM that can be used to experiment with these approaches. The main argument is that advances in middleware can significantly expand what can be achieved with existing quantum hardware, while also providing a foundation for more capable quantum systems in the future.

Date: 26 September 2023
Journal/conference link and reference: 2023 IEEE 13th International Conference on Electronics and Information Technologies (ELIT) https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10310743