ALgorithms for Quantum Computer Development in Hardware-Software Codesign
ALQU
The research covered by the ALQU project supports the German quantum computer industry in the development of innovative products.
In the future, quantum computers promise significant runtime acceleration and better solutions to certain computing problems compared to classical computing systems. These improvements are commonly referred to as “quantum advantage”. However, quantum computers that can be realized in the short and medium term will still not be able to execute algorithms with quantum error correction. Many of the algorithms used today do not rely on quantum error correction, but in order to take an essential step towards true quantum advantage, precise knowledge of the errors of the quantum hardware is indispensable.
ALQU
Schematic representation of hardware-software codesign. To solve an application problem on a quantum computer, it must be formulated in the language of a mathematical algorithm, which is then compiled onto the given hardware platform. However, early quantum computing hardware is subject to strong limitations, imposing significant constraints on potential compilation. Consequently, this restricts possible algorithms and, hence, potential end applications. Thus, ALQU follows the hardware-software codesign paradigm: applications and hardware for quantum computers are considered together in a holistic approach to systematically achieve a quantum advantage in the coming years
The ALQU project uses hardware-software codesign for this purpose, which closely links the development processes of hardware and software for quantum computers. In this way, knowledge about the key figures and error models of the real machines is to be incorporated into the development of algorithms. Conversely, hardware development is to provide targeted support for the efficient execution of the most promising algorithms and applications.
In addition to linking hardware and software development, the ALQU project builds a bridge between basic research on the one hand and potential end applications on the other. The focus on end applications allows the identification of applications that can actually lead to quantum advantage.
ALQU focuses on the most important problem areas of quantum software development: the efficient compilation of quantum circuits on quantum computing hardware and the development of customized quantum algorithms for severe, industry-relevant computing problems.
The solutions developed in this way are implemented on the quantum computers of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and evaluated for various application problems in order to be able to demonstrate possible quantum advantage.
In ALQU, quantum hardware manufacturers and industrial end users, especially from logistics, transport and materials science, work closely together. In the long term, ALQU establishes the German Aerospace Center as a competence center for quantum computing with a strong focus on technology transfer to the German economy.
