Blueprint for Software of Future Quantum Computers
For the first time, researchers have developed a reference architecture for quantum software that integrates applications and hardware
Research Focus: Applied Artificial Intelligence
In the future, quantum computers could solve complex problems that today’s computers cannot handle, such as the development of new materials or the planning of supply chains. So far, however, these systems are prone to malfunctions and are primarily used in research laboratories. Furthermore, there is a lack of standards for software development. In a joint research project led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO), researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the FZI Research Center for Information Technology are now developing, for the first time, a holistic reference architecture for quantum software. After all, even the most powerful computers are useless without the right programs.
The reference architecture developed in the FullStaQD project is intended to serve as a common blueprint for future applications across various types of quantum hardware, thereby establishing a uniform foundation for quantum software development from the very beginning.
Software for computers that do not yet exist
The problem: There is a lack of common standards for both hardware and software. “The quantum computing software landscape is highly fragmented. As a result, many software solutions are closely tied to specific hardware,” says project manager Philipp Kunst of Fraunhofer IAO. As the technology evolves, the programs often need to be adapted as well. At the same time, new technical approaches for quantum computers are constantly emerging. “This hinders collaboration and makes it difficult to further develop software over the long term.”
“We want to avoid a repeat of the software crisis of the 1960s,” says Professor Ina Schaefer from the Institute for Information Security and Reliability (KASTEL) at KIT and Scientific Director at the FZI. Back then, powerful computers were available, but there was a lack of mature software to utilize them.
A “power outlet” for quantum computing
Instead of developing software for a specific quantum computer, Schaefer’s team is therefore creating a blueprint that describes how different quantum computers and software solutions can work together in the future. Schaefer explains how this works using an everyday example: “No one knows today what devices will be plugged into an outlet 20 years from now. Nevertheless, there are standards for outlets and plugs. They don’t specify which devices will be built, but only how devices and the power supply work together.”
The new reference architecture also operates according to this principle: “We do not specify any particular quantum hardware or concrete applications. Instead, we describe the tasks performed by the individual layers of a quantum software system and how they communicate with one another,” says Schaefer. The architecture thus remains open to future technological innovations. At the same time, it creates a foundation on which multiple teams can collaborate to develop larger software systems.
Develop applications and hardware independently
The reference architecture divides quantum software into three levels: applications, system functions, and hardware. At the application level, programs are developed for specific tasks, such as in logistics or materials research. The hardware level comprises the quantum computer. Between them lies the system level, which connects the two areas.
“This allows applications and hardware to be developed independently of one another. Those working on new applications do not need to know the technical details of the hardware. Conversely, existing programs can be adapted to hardware improvements with minimal effort,” explains Oliver Denninger, head of the Software Engineering research division at the FZI. At the same time, new hardware technologies can emerge without requiring the complete redevelopment of all software.
“For quantum computing to become economically viable in the future, we must develop the software side on an equal footing with the hardware from the very beginning,” says Kunst. The researchers now plan to develop the necessary software components during the next phase of the project.
The FullStaQD project: from concept to practice
The first version of the reference architecture presented here marks the first milestone in the FullStaQD project. In the next step, the project partners will develop an open-source reference implementation. It is intended to provide freely available components and will be unveiled next year. The reference architecture is available online.
The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is funding the project with approximately 15 million euros. Of this amount, about 700,000 euros will go to KIT.
About the FZI
The FZI Research Center for Information Technology, with headquarters in Karlsruhe and a branch office in Berlin, is a non-profit institution for information technology application research and technology transfer. It delivers the latest scientific findings in information technology to companies and public institutions and qualifies individuals for academic and business careers or the leap into self-employment. Supervised by professors from various faculties, the research groups at the FZI develop interdisciplinary concepts, software, hardware, and system solutions for their clients and implement the solutions found as prototypes. The FZI House of Living Labs provides a unique research environment for application research. The FZI is an innovation partner of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and strategic partner of the German Informatics Society (GI).
The press release was sourced from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and supplemented with information about the FZI.
KIT Press Contact
Felix Mescoli
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Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
- +49 721 608-41171
- felix.mescoli@kit.edu
Fraunhofer IAO Press Contact
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Press and Public Relations
Fraunhofer IAO
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- presse@iao.fraunhofer.de
FZI Press Contact
Jérôme Nguyen
Communications
FZI Research Center for Information Technology
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- presse@fzi.de
- Headquarters Karlsruhe
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