A Conceptual Architecture for a Quantum-HPC Middleware

TL;DR

This paper proposes a conceptual middleware architecture that integrates quantum computing with high-performance classical computing systems, addressing the need for efficient quantum-HPC coupling as quantum systems scale.

Contribution

It introduces a novel middleware framework leveraging HPC abstractions to facilitate quantum-classical integration, serving as a foundation for future middleware development.

Findings

Identifies key integration patterns for quantum-HPC systems

Proposes a middleware architecture based on HPC abstractions

Lays groundwork for scalable quantum-classical computing systems

Abstract

Quantum computing promises potential for science and industry by solving certain computationally complex problems faster than classical computers. Quantum computing systems evolved from monolithic systems towards modular architectures comprising multiple quantum processing units (QPUs) coupled to classical computing nodes (HPC). With the increasing scale, middleware systems that facilitate the efficient coupling of quantum-classical computing are becoming critical. Through an in-depth analysis of quantum applications, integration patterns and systems, we identified a gap in understanding Quantum-HPC middleware systems. We present a conceptual middleware to facilitate reasoning about quantum-classical integration and serve as the basis for a future middleware system. An essential contribution of this paper lies in leveraging well-established high-performance computing abstractions for managing workloads, tasks, and resources to integrate quantum computing into HPC systems seamlessly.