Understanding Quantum Architecture
Principal lecturer: Dr Prakash Murali
Taken by: MPhil ACS, Part III
Code: L332
Term: Michaelmas
Hours: 16 (8hrs lectures, 8hrs seminars)
Format: In-person lectures
Class limit: max. 16 students
Prerequisites: Requires introductory linear algebra - concepts such as eigenvalues, Hermitian matrices, unitary matrices. Taking the Part II Quantum Computing course (or similar) is helpful but not required. Familiarity with computer architecture and compilers is helpful.
timetable
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.
Objectives and Learning Goals
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
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.
Assessment
- Seminar presentation: 20%
- Course Project (80%)
- Proposal, 500 words (10% of total assessment).
- Final report, strictly no more than four pages, double-column, excluding references (50% of total assessment).
- Viva (20% of total assessment).
Structure of the Viva
- Duration: 15 minutes per student (10-12 minutes of questioning).
- Core Questions: All candidates will answer a predefined set of foundational questions, such as justifying design choices, identifying limitations, and proposing future work.
- Project-Specific Questions: The remaining questions will be tailored directly to the student's four-page report to assess their individual technical contributions.
- Assessment Rubric: The 20% viva mark will be graded against a standardized rubric evaluating technical understanding, communication, and defence of decisions. This rubric will be shared with students.
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.