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arXiv:1402.4467

LIQUi|>: A Software Design Architecture and Domain-Specific Language for Quantum Computing

Dave Wecker, Krysta M. Svore

Published Feb 18, 2014• 150 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Languages, compilers, and computer-aided design tools will be essential for scalable quantum computing, which promises an exponential leap in our ability to execute complex tasks. LIQUi|> is a modular software architecture designed to control quantum hardware. It enables easy programming, compilation, and simulation of quantum algorithms and circuits, and is independent of a specific quantum architecture. LIQUi|> contains an embedded, domain-specific language designed for programming quantum algorithms, with F# as the host language. It also allows the extraction of a circuit data structure that can be used for optimization, rendering, or translation. The circuit can also be exported to external hardware and software environments. Two different simulation environments are available to the user which allow a trade-off between number of qubits and class of operations. LIQUi|> has been implemented on a wide range of runtimes as back-ends with a single user front-end. We describe the significant components of the design architecture and how to express any given quantum algorithm.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.1402.4467

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Languages, compilers, and computer-aided design tools will be essential for scalable quantum computing, which promises an exponential leap in our ability to execute complex tasks. LIQUi|> is a modular software architecture designed to control quantum hardware. It enables easy programming, compilation, and simulation of quantum algorithms and circuits, and is independent of a specific quantum architecture. LIQUi|> contains an embedded, domain-specific language designed for programming quantum algorithms, with F# as the host language. It also allows the extraction of a circuit data structure that can be used for optimization, rendering, or translation. The circuit can also be exported to external hardware and software environments. Two different simulation environments are available to the user which allow a trade-off between number of qubits and class of operations. LIQUi|> has been implemented on a wide range of runtimes as back-ends with a single user front-end. We describe the significant components of the design architecture and how to express any given quantum algorithm.
Languages, compilers, and computer-aided design tools will be essential for scalable quantum computing, which promises an exponential leap in our ability to execute complex tasks. LIQUi|> and SoLi|> provide a modular software architecture for the simulation of quantum algorithms and control of quantum hardware. They provide a high level interface and are independent of a specific quantum architecture. This talk will focus on simulation of quantum algorithms in Quantum Chemistry and Materials as well as Factoring, Quantum Error Correction and compilation for hardware implementations (http://arxiv.org/abs/1402.4467).
We survey recent strides made towards building a software framework that is capable of compiling quantum algorithms from a high-level description down to physical gates that can be implemented on a fault-tolerant quantum computer. We discuss why compilation and design automation tools such as the ones in our framework are key for tackling the grand challenge of building a scalable quantum computer. We then describe specialized libraries that have been developed using the LIQUi|〉 programming language. This includes reversible circuits for arithmetic as well as new, truly quantum approaches that rely on quantum computer architectures that allow the probabilistic execution of gates, a model that can reduce time and space overheads in some cases. We highlight why these libraries are useful for the implementation of many quantum algorithms. Finally, we survey the tool Revs that facilitate resource efficient compilation of higher-level irreversible programs into lower-level reversible circuits while trying to optimize the memory footprint of the resulting reversible networks. This is motivated by the limited availability of qubits for the foreseeable future.
Abstract Quantum computers promise to transform our notions of computation by offering a completely new paradigm. To achieve scalable quantum computation, optimizing compilers and a corresponding software design flow will be essential. We present a software architecture for compiling quantum programs from a high-level language program to hardware-specific instructions. We describe the necessary layers of abstraction and their differences and similarities to classical layers of a computer-aided design flow. For each layer of the stack, we discuss the underlying methods for compilation and optimization. Our software methodology facilitates more rapid innovation among quantum algorithm designers, quantum hardware engineers, and experimentalists. It enables scalable compilation of complex quantum algorithms and can be targeted to any specific quantum hardware implementation.
Quantum Software (QSW) uses the principles of quantum mechanics, specifically programming quantum bits (qubits) that manipulate quantum gates, to implement quantum computing systems. QSW has become a specialized field of software development, requiring specific notations, languages, patterns, and tools for mapping the behavior of qubits and the structure of quantum gates to components and connectors of QSW architectures. To support declarative modeling of QSW, we aim to enable architecture-driven development, where software engineers can design, program, and evaluate quantum software systems by abstracting complex details through high-level components and connectors. We introduce QADL (Quantum Architecture Description Language), which provides a specification language, design space, and execution environment for architecting QSW. Inspired by classical ADLs, QADL offers (1) a graphical interface to specify and design QSW components, (2) a parser for syntactical correctness, and (3) an execution environment by integrating QADL with IBM Qiskit. The initial evaluation of QADL is based on usability assessments by a team of quantum physicists and software engineers, using quantum algorithms such as Quantum Teleportation and Grover's Search. QADL offers a pioneering specification language and environment for QSW architecture. A demo is available at https://youtu.be/xaplHH_3NtQ.
We introduce ProjectQ, an open source software effort for quantum computing. The first release features a compiler framework capable of targeting various types of hardware, a high-performance simulator with emulation capabilities, and compiler plug-ins for circuit drawing and resource estimation. We introduce our Python-embedded domain-specific language, present the features, and provide example implementations for quantum algorithms. The framework allows testing of quantum algorithms through simulation and enables running them on actual quantum hardware using a back-end connecting to the IBM Quantum Experience cloud service. Through extension mechanisms, users can provide back-ends to further quantum hardware, and scientists working on quantum compilation can provide plug-ins for additional compilation, optimization, gate synthesis, and layout strategies.
Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations far beyond the capabilities of classical systems, particularly in fields such as cryptography and optimization. However, current quantum programming languages often require low-level implementation, posing significant barriers for many developers due to their steep learning curve and limited abstraction. In response, we introduce Qutes, a high-level quantum programming language designed to simplify quantum algorithm development while maintaining the flexibility required for advanced applications. By abstracting complex quantum operations and allowing intuitive expressions through high-level constructs, Qutes enables users to write efficient quantum programs without extensive knowledge of quantum mechanics or circuit design. Built upon Qiskit, Qutes translates its syntax directly into executable quantum code, facilitating seamless integration with quantum hardware. This paper provides an overview of the language's architecture, core functionalities, and its ability to unify classical and quantum operations within a single framework. Additionally, we demonstrate Qutes' application in key quantum algorithms, showcasing its potential to make quantum programming more accessible and practical for a wider range of developers and researchers.