Date of Award

3-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Cyber Operations

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor

Laurence D. Merkle, Ph.D

Abstract

Quantum computing research is at the cusp of a paradigm shift. As the complexity of quantum systems increases, so does the complexity of research procedures for creating and testing layers of the quantum software stack. However, the tools used to perform these tasks have not experienced the increase in capability required to effectively handle the development burdens involved. This case is made particularly clear in the context of IBM QX Transpiler optimization algorithms and functions. IBM QX systems use the Qiskit library to create, transform, and execute quantum circuits. As coherence times and hardware qubit counts increase and qubit topologies become more complex, so does orchestration of qubit mapping and qubit state movement across these topologies. The transpiler framework used to create and test improved algorithms has not kept pace. A testbed is proposed to provide abstractions to create and test transpiler routines. The development process is analyzed and implemented, from design principles through requirements analysis and verification testing. Additionally, limitations of existing transpiler algorithms are identified and initial results are provided that suggest more effective algorithms for qubit mapping and state movement.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENG-MS-20-M-029

DTIC Accession Number

AD1102933

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