A Quantum Programming Environment

Descriptive transcript

QSI is a programming environment designed to enable participants to develop software using a universal quantum programming language. A ground-breaking environment, QSI offers high-end development tools to software engineers, expanding their application development capabilities.

QSI for the quantum computer is similar to the building for the ground. Without the ground, the building can't be built, and without the building, it will lose its functions.

QSI is unique because, compared with other programming languages that have been developed, the stakeholders of QSI are the quantum researchers coming from mathematics, physics, and other computer science backgrounds. Researchers enter with little software development expertise, yet armed with what is available in the platform, they will still be able to develop the applications they need.

Secondly, at QSI, we believe that quantum programming is not only about the language, translation, or execution, but also about the opportunity of implementation within the classical computer.

The compiler is a core pillar, being the most important component for both the classical and quantum computer.

QSI is unique in the following two aspects. QSI has a tool for verification of quantum programs. It also has a tool for termination analysis.

Quantum hardware is still in its infancy with regards to industry accessibility and needs. But QSI aims to build a bridge between the hardware available and the present and future quantum industry requirements.

QSI enriches hardware computation through the quantum data type and quantum operation, as well as breaking through several constraints using compilation techniques.

IT partners globally are pursuing 'write once, run everywhere' in classical programming, and we have the same target in the quantum realm.

QSI features include support of quantum while-languages, bringing a broad range of communities into program design. Along with this, the space offers a set of extendable quantum programming interfaces, such as simulation of quantum computation, optimisation of quantum circuits, analysis and verification of quantum program tools, driving real quantum hardware, and compilation of low-level commands.

Quantum entanglement and superposition are counterintuitive for most programmers. Previously, only quantum researchers could write and research some segments of quantum programs. However, in QSI, general programmers can write and test their code and algorithms, opening up the bridge for a diverse community to cross into the future.

It is of critical importance for the centre to develop quantum software tools to help the broader community to understand quantum computing better. The long-term vision of our centre is to become a world leader in quantum software and information technologies and to see the great impacts of quantum computing in science, engineering, and education. So far, our centre has achieved breakthrough research and has established a solid role in the community.

Quantum computers might take another five to ten years to be practical, but future quantum devices and intermediate quantum computers are already at our doorstep. Now, more than ever, the need for software to program these devices is evident.

The QSI platform will also allow different parties with different skill sets to collaborate. Why? Because you don't need to understand quantum physics to get the ticket to enter. QSI allows people with a more traditional software engineering background to be able to develop quantum programs or applications for quantum computers. Not only that, it will allow participants to more easily work with the hardware vendors who are actually developing the hardware underlying quantum computers.

The collaboration between end-user application developers and the hardware developers creates advantages in the development of more user-friendly hardware and more adaptable software. In turn, this makes the QSI platform all the more useful for a diverse range of people and a key component in the evolution of a superior quantum world.

At a pivotal time to be entering this new realm, QSI gives stakeholders a better understanding of quantum computing and revolutionary access to investment advice for decision makers.

We hope this QSI toolbox will help Australian or international society to be well aware of the enormous effort that UTS has contributed to quantum software research since 2008 and to join us to explore the power of quantum computing by either investing in quantum software research or pursuing a research career with us.

The QSI team welcomes you to enter the next generation of quantum computing.