Understanding Quantum Architecture

Aims

This course covers the architecture of a practical-scale quantum computer. We will examine the resource requirements of practical quantum applications, understand the different layers of the quantum stack, the techniques used in these layers and examine how these layers come together to enable practical quantum advantage over classical computing.

Syllabus

The course will have a series of lectures to cover important aspects of the quantum stack. The following
are a list of representative topics: -
L1, L2: Basics of quantum computing, physical qubit technologies and introduction to one algorithm.
L3, L4: Compilation for superconducting qubits
L5, L6: Architecture of superconducting qubits
L7, L8: Trapped ion qubits
L9, L10: Introduction to error correction, surface codes
L11, L12: Surface code operations and compilation
L13, L14: Resource estimation and the path to scale
L15, L16: Quantum error correction decoders, neutral atoms and current trends

Student presentations will be based on a reading list of important papers in quantum architecture. These papers will in general mirror the above list of topics and give insight into recent research developments.
 

Clarification: The Part II Quantum Computing is a theory course that covers fundamentals of quantum computing, algorithms and more theoretical aspects of error correction. This is a practical systems course  that focuses on real hardware, software and architecture design.

Objectives

At the end of the course, students should: 1. have a broad understanding of the quantum computing stack 2. understand how quantum applications can be mapped to an architecture 3. understand a quantum instruction set and how it is implemented with error correction 4. be able to use resource estimation tools to evaluate architecture proposals 5. understand practical quantum advantage

Assessment

Seminar presentation: 20%
     Read and present one paper from a provided reading list - 10%
      Submit a 1 page review of the paper - 10%

Course project: 80% (split across a proposal, mid-term report, final report)
     A. Proposal - 500 words (10% of total)
     B. Mid-term report - 1000 words (20% of total)
     C. Final report - strictly no more than 4 pages double column in a conference paper style. (45% of the total)
     D. Pre-recorded project presentation - five minutes (5% of the total)

Mid term report is intended to give ongoing feedback (it may have some common text with the final report). Students may work alone or in pairs. The instructor may conduct a viva in case contributions from both team members are not clear or imbalanced.

For the course project:

• Part II students will work on reproducing the implementation and results of a paper. 
• MPhil students will either work on a research project or reproduce an existing paper and extend it to include new experiments or techniques.

Recommended reading

Nielsen M.A., Chuang I.L. (2010). Quantum Computation and Quantum Information. Cambridge University Press. Mermin N.D. (2007). Quantum Computer Science: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press.

Further Information

Current Cambridge undergraduate students who are continuing onto Part III or the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science may only take this module if they did NOT take it as a Unit of Assessment in Part II.