Method, system, computer program and computer readable storage medium for managing and controlling at least one resource of quantum computer system

Abstract

There is provided a method for managing and controlling at least one resource of a quantum computer system, the quantum computer system comprising hardware devices, and one of the hardware devices being an ion trap (2), providing, by an application layer, at least one request for operation of at least one of the hardware devices of a kernel layer, -transmitting the at least one request to the kernel layer by means of the at least one system call,-collecting the at least one system call by the scheduler,-managing and controlling at least one resource of the at least one hardware device by the scheduler for operation such that processing is performed by the ion trap (2) and / or on the ion trap (2). Furthermore, a system (1), a computer program and a computer-readable storage medium are provided.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method, a system, a computer program and a computer readable storage medium for managing and controlling at least one resource of a quantum computer system.

[0002] It is an object to provide a method with which processing within a quantum computer system using trapped ions can be automated, regardless of the architecture of the ion trap used. Furthermore, a system, a computer program and a computer readable storage medium for managing and controlling at least one resource of a quantum computer system are provided.

[0003] This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments, implementations and further developments are subject matter of the respective dependent claims.

[0004] A method for managing and controlling at least one resource of a quantum computer system is described. The quantum computer system comprises hardware devices, and one of the hardware devices is an ion trap. In particular, the hardware devices are configured to operate the ion trap and to perform a quantum computation with the ion trap. Exemplarily, the hardware devices are used for confining at least two ions in the ion trap and / or modifying an electronic state of the at least two ions, in particular for performing a quantum computation with the at least two ions.

[0005] In particular, the ion trap can be a Paul trap, a linear ion trap, a surface ion trap and / or a multilayer ion trap. Exemplarily, the ion trap comprises a set of electrodes. For example, a radio frequency, RF, voltage is applied to the electrodes such that a time-varying electric field is provided which is configured to confine and / or modify the at least two trapped ions.

[0006] For example, a magnetic gradient is provided to the at least two trapped ions. Exemplarily, the magnetic gradient is provided by a permanent magnet arrangement. This is because due to the magnetic gradient, the at least two trapped ions are individually addressable.

[0007] Exemplarily, the method is performed within the framework of an operating system. The at least one resource can be a system resource. For example, the system resources comprise all physical devices, e.g. the hardware devices, and / or all virtual components, e.g. software applications of the quantum computer system.

[0008] According to at least one embodiment of the method, at least one request for an operation of at least one of the hardware devices of a kernel layer is provided by an application layer. Exemplarily, the operating system comprises the application layer and the kernel layer.

[0009] Exemplarily, the application layer is configured for executing software applications. This is because the application layer is composed of a plurality of software applications with which a user can interact, for example. At least some of the software applications can have a graphical user interface, GUI. In particular, the at least one request is provided via the GUI.

[0010] Exemplarily, the kernel layer is configured for managing and controlling at least one resource and / or providing services to the application layer. Exemplarily, the kernel layer is configured for at least one of memory management, process management, I / O management, and device driver management. In particular, the operations comprised in the request can be executed via the kernel layer.

[0011] For example, the hardware devices are arranged within a hardware layer, which particularly comprises in the kernel layer.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the method, the at least one request is transmitted to the kernel layer by at least one system call. For example, the interface between the application layer and the kernel layer comprises at least one system call, particularly a plurality of system calls. For example, the system call is configured to provide communication between the application layer and the kernel layer, and vice versa. The system call is configured for communication, particularly independent of hardware devices or software applications.

[0013] For example, the system call is an application programming interface. This is because the system call can be advantageously adapted to the needs of the quantum computer system accordingly.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the method, the at least one system call is collected by a scheduler. For example, the scheduler is configured for determining an order and / or timing of operations to be executed by the at least one hardware device.

[0015] For example, a plurality of requests is provided by the application layer, each request being dedicated to an operation of at least one of the hardware devices. The request can be dedicated to a plurality of operations of more than one of the hardware devices. For example, the scheduler determines the order and / or timing of the operations. For example, the scheduler comprises a plurality of subsystems, wherein each of the subsystems is configured to process the request according to corresponding information. In particular, each of the subsystems is configured to perform a scheduling of the operations according to corresponding information.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the method, at least one resource of the at least one hardware device is managed and controlled by the scheduler for the operations such that the processing is executed by and / or on the ion trap.

[0017] This is because the scheduler manages and controls the at least one resource according to the determined order and / or the determined timing of the operations, particularly a plurality of operations. The scheduler particularly manages and controls the operations according to information dedicated to at least one of real-time control, resource management, task scheduling, time constraints, priority and / or preemption, and synchronization and / or event handling.

[0018] For example, a user submits a request to the corresponding software application via a GUI, and this request is specifically for using an ablation laser, with the primary purpose of loading ions into an ion trap. For example, in the GUI, the user operates a button, such as "Load Ions," and specifically specifies the number of ions. The request is then transmitted via a system call and collected by a scheduler. Specifically, the scheduler is configured to prioritize the system calls that include the request.

[0019] For example, the scheduler determines the optimal point in the operating system's execution timeline. For instance, if the optimal point in the execution timeline is open, the scheduler accordingly places the request in the execution line so that the task corresponding to the request will be executed, embedded in the rest of the operating system's execution line.

[0020] The request can then be passed through several layers of the operating system. For example, the request passes through an environment class, which includes a set of operations of the Software Development Kit (SDK) that handles the corresponding hardware device (in this specific example, an ablation laser). The request can then be resolved into an experiment class, which can perform the action corresponding to the request to the physical layer. Subsequently, specifically corresponding to the request, ions are loaded into the trap. For example, the entire process is recorded in a database containing a monitoring system. Thus, another request can use information from the database to take action in case of failure. The process can be displayed in a time-series database for overview.

[0021] Exemplarily, the methods described above are executed in the indicated order. Exemplarily, the methods described above are computer-implemented methods.

[0022] The method described in this paper, particularly its usage, comprises an application layer consisting of a collection of computer programs and a kernel layer that manages (i.e., automates and allocates) the system resources of a captured ion quantum computer. The proposed method advantageously enables an automated interface between the user, characterized by the application layer, and the hardware, characterized by the kernel layer.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment of the method, after managing and controlling at least one hardware resource, a scheduler receives at least one response from at least one hardware device. For example, depending on the scheduler, the operation is performed by at least one hardware device. During and / or after the operation, measurement values ​​from the corresponding hardware device can be acquired. For example, the measurement values ​​consist of the response.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment of the method, after managing and controlling at least one hardware resource, the management and control are adjusted based on at least one response. Specifically, the management and control of at least one hardware device are adjusted based on acquired measurement values.

[0025] For example, the scheduler can receive more than one response from different hardware devices.

[0026] This is because a feedback loop is advantageously realized through the response to the operation. In particular, in response to adjusted management and control, the scheduler can receive one or more additional responses until a predetermined threshold is reached. Therefore, it is advantageous to ensure that the operation is executed correctly.

[0027] Specifically, the scheduler is configured to determine at least one error correction command based on the response, using, for example, quantum error correction and / or error mitigation. The adjustment depends particularly on the error correction command.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment of the method, a scheduler transmits at least one result from at least one hardware device to the application layer. Specifically, the result is provided to at least one software application. At least one result can be analyzed and / or displayed via the GUI of at least one software application.

[0029] For example, at least one result is transferred from the kernel layer to the application layer via at least one additional system call.

[0030] In particular, the results are specifically designed for quantum computing in quantum computer systems.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment of the method, managing and controlling the hardware resources of at least one hardware device further includes: determining the priority of at least one system call by a scheduler.

[0032] According to at least one embodiment of the method, managing and controlling the hardware resources of at least one hardware device further includes: managing and controlling at least one hardware resource of at least one hardware device based on priority.

[0033] According to at least one embodiment of the method, the application layer includes at least one compiler configured to convert input data into machine-readable data configured to be executed by at least one hardware device. Specifically, a user provides input data to a GUI of a software application in the application layer. For example, the input data may be specific to a programming language, particularly software code, and / or commands for operating the hardware device. The input data is exemplarily converted into machine-readable data by the compiler. This machine-readable data is provided to the kernel layer and the corresponding hardware device via system calls and a scheduler.

[0034] Specifically, the input data is dedicated to the request.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment of the method, the application layer includes at least one calibration routine.

[0036] According to at least one implementation of the method, the application layer includes at least one optimized routine.

[0037] Advantageously, this routine allows the ion trap to be operated with particular precision.

[0038] According to at least one embodiment of the method, the application layer includes at least one hardware-independent compiler, independent of the ion trap. The hardware-independent compiler is specifically designed for compilers that generate machine-readable data that can run on multiple hardware devices without hardware-device-specific modifications or optimizations. This is because the hardware-independent compiler exemplarily generates machine-readable data independently of the hardware device.

[0039] Advantageously, this is because operation can be provided to several hardware devices with little or no modification.

[0040] According to at least one embodiment of the method, the application layer includes at least one hardware-specific compiler. The hardware-specific compiler is dedicated to compilers that generate machine-readable data that can run on a specific hardware device but cannot run effectively on other hardware devices.

[0041] Quantum computing systems can operate advantageously and efficiently by using hardware-independent compilers and hardware-specific compilers.

[0042] According to at least one embodiment of the method, the application layer and the kernel layer are configured to compile, automate, and calibrate requests, so that processing is performed in real time by the ion trap and / or on the ion trap.

[0043] Specifically, real-time operation means that requests from the application layer and / or responses from the kernel layer are each dedicated to signals present within a predetermined time and are processed accordingly. Using the proposed method, observation of each of these signals can be ensured.

[0044] According to at least one embodiment of the method, the hardware device includes at least one of the following: a laser, a wavelength meter, an acousto-optic modulator, an electro-optic modulator, a detector, a signal generator, an amplifier, a power supply, a piezoelectric controller, and a motor.

[0045] According to at least one embodiment of the method, the ion trap is a processing unit of a quantum computer system.

[0046] Furthermore, a system for managing and controlling at least one resource of a quantum computer system is described. The system is configured to perform the methods described herein. Therefore, all features and implementations disclosed in connection with the method are also disclosed in connection with the system, and vice versa.

[0047] According to at least one implementation, the system includes an application layer and a kernel layer. The application layer and the kernel layer communicate with each other via system calls from the application layer to the kernel layer and additional system calls from the kernel layer to the application layer.

[0048] According to at least one implementation, the system includes a scheduler. The scheduler is configured to collect all system calls and other system calls.

[0049] Advantageously, this is because the scheduler is a modular entity that can operate at the application layer and / or kernel layer.

[0050] Additionally, a computer program comprising instructions is specified that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer program to perform the methods described herein.

[0051] In addition, a computer-readable storage medium is specified on which the computer program described herein is stored.

[0052] The methods and systems are described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and associated drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 A flowchart of a method according to an exemplary implementation is shown.

[0054] Figure 2 A system configured to perform a method according to an exemplary implementation is shown.

[0055] Identical, similar, or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. The scale of the figures and elements shown in the drawings should not be considered as actual scale. Rather, individual elements may be exaggerated for better representation and / or better understanding.

[0056] according to Figure 1 The method phase S1 of an exemplary implementation includes at least one request provided by the application layer for operation of at least one hardware device of the kernel layer. Exemplarily, the application layer includes at least one software application having a GUI. Software code and / or commands for operating the hardware device may be provided to the GUI, the software code and / or commands being specifically dedicated to the request.

[0057] The application layer includes at least one compiler configured to convert input data into machine-readable data configured to be executed by a hardware device.

[0058] In method phase S2, the request is then transmitted to the kernel layer via at least one system call.

[0059] In method phase S3, system calls are collected by the scheduler. The scheduler can be an API. Furthermore, the scheduler can include multiple subsystems. Each subsystem can handle requests based on corresponding information.

[0060] Each piece of information can be dedicated to a thread of the scheduler. For example, each thread is dedicated to an operation to be scheduled by the scheduler. Threads can process information independently of each other.

[0061] The scheduler, by example, includes signal processing and control threads, server threads, monitoring threads, calibration threads, and / or data analysis threads. At least some of these threads are connected to queues and / or databases.

[0062] In method phase S4, the scheduler manages and controls at least one resource of the hardware device, such that processing is performed by ion trap 2 and / or on ion trap 2. Specifically, threads in the scheduler can interact with each other and process requests, such that operations are performed by the hardware device, such that processing is performed by ion trap 2 and / or on ion trap 2. For example, processing may be dedicated to confining at least one ion within ion trap 2 and / or manipulating at least one ion within ion trap 2.

[0063] Specifically, the scheduler manages and controls multiple resources of multiple hardware devices based on requests in order to perform processing. For example, the scheduler automatically manages and controls at least two of the following resources: laser, wavelength meter, acousto-optic modulator, electro-optic modulator, detector, signal generator, amplifier, power supply, piezoelectric controller, and motor. Specifically, performing processing requires at least two hardware devices.

[0064] according to Figure 2 System 1, an exemplary implementation of a quantum computer system, includes an application layer, a kernel layer, and a scheduler.

[0065] System 1 includes hardware devices and computer programs. The computer programs, as software applications, particularly those with a GUI, are part of the application layer. The other computer programs and hardware devices are part of the kernel layer.

[0066] The quantum computer system includes an ion trap 2 located within chamber 3, which serves as the processing unit of the quantum computer system. The ion trap 2 is connected to external components of the quantum computer system via chamber 3 by multiple connectors 4. For example, the connectors 4 connect the ion trap 2 to electronic devices 5 and a classical computer 6.

[0067] Electronic device 5 exemplarily includes a laser, a wavelength meter, an acousto-optic modulator, an electro-optic modulator, a detector, a signal generator, an amplifier, a power supply, a piezoelectric controller, a motor, an analog-to-digital converter, and a signal generator such as a radio frequency generator, a microwave signal generator, a low-frequency signal generator, and / or a DC signal generator. Electronic device 5 may also be partially arranged within room 3.

[0068] Chamber 3 can be an ultra-high vacuum chamber, a very high vacuum chamber, and / or a cryostat.

[0069] For example, Classic Computer 6 is configured to provide and receive input data. Exemplarily, a portion of the application layer and the kernel layer are part of Classic Computer 6.

[0070] Specifically, electronic device 5, classical computer 6, and room 3 are part of the hardware setup. This is because an operating system for running the quantum computer system is provided using the methods described above in this paper.

[0071] For example, the ion trap 2 is provided with a permanent magnet arrangement configured to establish a magnetic gradient for the captured ions of the ion trap 2.

[0072] This invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Rather, the invention encompasses any new features and any combination of features, even if the feature or combination itself is not expressly indicated in the claims or exemplary embodiments, and specifically includes any combination of features in the claims.

[0073] Figure Labels

[0074] 1 system

[0075] 2 ion traps

[0076] 3 rooms

[0077] 4 connectors

[0078] 5 electronic devices

[0079] 6 Classic Computers

[0080] S1……S4 Method Phase

Claims

1. A method for managing and controlling at least one resource of a quantum computer system, the quantum computer system including hardware devices, and one of the hardware devices being an ion trap (2). - The application layer provides at least one request for operation of at least one hardware device among the hardware devices in the kernel layer, wherein, The application layer includes at least one hardware-independent compiler that is independent of the ion trap (2), and the application layer includes at least one hardware-specific compiler. - The at least one request is transmitted to the kernel layer via at least one system call. - The scheduler collects the at least one system call. - The scheduler manages and controls the at least one resource of the at least one hardware device to perform the operation, such that processing is performed by the ion trap (2) and / or on the ion trap (2), wherein the processing is dedicated to confining at least one ion within the ion trap (2) and / or manipulating at least one ion within the ion trap (2).

2. The method according to claim 1, after managing and controlling the at least one resource, - The scheduler receives at least one response from the at least one hardware device, and - Adjust the management and control based on the at least one response.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, - The scheduler transmits at least one result from the at least one hardware device to the application layer.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The resources for managing and controlling the at least one hardware device also include: - The scheduler determines the priority of the at least one system call, and - To manage and control the at least one resource of the at least one hardware device based on the priority.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein - The application layer includes at least one compiler configured to convert input data into machine-readable data configured to be executed by the at least one hardware device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein - The application layer includes at least one calibration routine, and / or - The application layer includes at least one optimized routine.

7. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein - The application layer and the kernel layer are configured to compile, automate and calibrate the request so that the processing is performed in real time by the ion trap (2) and / or on the ion trap (2).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein - The hardware device includes at least one of the following: laser, wavelength meter, acousto-optic modulator, electro-optic modulator, detector, signal generator, amplifier, power supply, piezoelectric controller, motor.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein - The ion trap (2) is the processing unit of the quantum computer system.

10. A system (1) for managing and controlling at least one resource of a quantum computer system, said quantum computer system comprising hardware devices, wherein one of said hardware devices is an ion trap (2), wherein, The system (1) is configured to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. The system (1) according to claim 10, comprising: - Application layer, - Kernel layer, and - Scheduler.

12. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer program to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon according to claim 12.

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