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arXiv:1608.03355quant-ph

A Practical Quantum Instruction Set Architecture

Robert S. Smith, Michael J. Curtis, William J. Zeng

Abstract

We introduce an abstract machine architecture for classical/quantum computations---including compilation---along with a quantum instruction language called Quil for explicitly writing these computations. With this formalism, we discuss concrete implementations of the machine and non-trivial algorithms targeting them. The introduction of this machine dovetails with ongoing development of quantum computing technology, and makes possible portable descriptions of recent classical/quantum algorithms.

arXiv comments
15 pages, 4 figures
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
quant-phQuantum Physics cs.ETEmerging Technologies cs.PLProgramming Languages

On Hacker News

Linked by 5 identifiable commenters in 8 comments across 6 threads, from Aug 2016 to Apr 2018. Found in 2 HN submissions from May 2017 to Dec 2017. Open submission discussions.

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Discussed in comments6 threads

  1. Quantum Algorithm Implementations for Beginners 1 comment

    • This is a great question! I've worked a lot on this topic and its crucial to understanding how quantum computers will be used in the near term. While I don't have an easy answer for the high level interface, the assembly level interface between quantum and classical computing is…

      wzengView on HNParent context

  2. Rigetti Forest 1.0 – programming environment for quantum/classical computing 3 comments

    • That's my doing. When we started thinking about quantum programming languages, we didn't know what they should look like. Experimenting with different languages efficiently requires a language that makes language-building easy. I find that there are two classes of languages that…

      reikonomushaView on HNParent context

    • The computing model is given by Quil [0]. Section III-F talks about exactly this idea of "measurement-for-effect". You can use measurement in Quil as a way to project into a state that you want. (You can even use a conditional instruction to get feedback and flip it with an X if…

      reikonomushaView on HNParent context

    • We have a Python library called pyQuil [1] for writing high-level programs for quantum computers. The "assembly" you mentioned is Quil [2], which we don't expect most users to use directly. Other high-level languages for quantum computing include LIQUi|> [3] and Quipper [4].…

      dangirshView on HNParent context

  3. The Machine of Tomorrow Today: Quantum Computing on the Verge 1 comment

    • Rigetti's quantum computers can be operated by way of the means discussed by other commenters (toothpicks and tweezers at the oscilloscope), or can be loaded with a quantum instruction code called Quil [0], which can be written with Python using pyQuil [1,2]. The former is…

      reikonomushaView on HNParent context

  4. A Practical Quantum Instruction Set Architecture 1 comment

    • The url seems to have a .pd on the end, in error. This is the correct link. https://arxiv.org/abs/1608.03355

      rb1View on HNParent context

  5. QCL – A Programming Language for Quantum Computers 1 comment

    • Unfortunately, a language like QCL is a bit far away from being a practical language for quantum computers, in the sense that it will be difficult to use on upcoming machines. QCL is of course perfectly fit for experimentation. In my opinion, when you have a quantum computer…

      reikonomushaView on HNParent context

  6. Introducing Quil: A Practical Quantum Instruction Set Architecture 1 comment

    • They did say "Look for the source for the code soon ..." so I'm guessing it's coming. You can see some example code in the paper though: http://arxiv.org/abs/1608.03355

      ivan_ahView on HNParent context

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