Quantum Software for Tomorrow How KIT Creates Quantum Software Without a Quantum Computer

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KIT researchers are already developing programs for future computers.

The researchers at KIT use HoreKa, the high-performance computer Karlsruhe, to simulate quantum computers and test their programs. Because once the hardware is available, no more time should be lost in getting it ready for use. One thing is certain: without suitable programs, even the most powerful quantum computer remains useless.

"When the big breakthrough comes, we want to be ready," says Professor Ina Schaefer from the Institute for Information Security and Dependability (KASTEL) at KIT. Quantum computers are seen as promising tools for particularly complex tasks - such as in material research or supply chain optimization. However, so far, they are little more than sensitive laboratory experiments. The main problem is the lack of practicality. Current devices from major tech companies have less computing power than a calculator, are prone to errors, and often deliver unreliable results.

Why software without hardware makes sense

Nevertheless, software development is worthwhile: "We simulate quantum computers on classical computers and test our programs on small examples," says Domenik Eichhorn, also from KASTEL. The computer scientist refers to the so-called software crisis of the 1960s. "At that time, there were suddenly powerful computers, but hardly any usable programs to actually use them. We want to avoid that this time," says Eichhorn.

Programming like in the early days of computing

There are already specialized programming languages like Qiskit or Q#. "They operate similarly to early computer languages, very close to the hardware," says the computer scientist. This means that anyone programming with them needs to know exactly how individual computational steps within the quantum computer work. Features like automatic error correction or graphical user interfaces, which are common in modern programming languages, are still missing. "It resembles the early days of classical computers in the 1950s," says Eichhorn. "Back then, programmers had to work with punch cards or very simple languages like Assembler, which communicated directly with the processor. It's similar today with quantum computers, except that the underlying technology is significantly more sophisticated."

What makes quantum computers special

Quantum computers do not work with bits but with qubits. Thanks to quantum mechanical effects like superposition and entanglement, these can assume multiple states simultaneously. This theoretically enables enormous computing power. The challenge: "You have to develop algorithms that work with probabilities and still deliver reliable results," explains Eichhorn.

Collaborative research: KIT and partners develop quantum software

To prepare for the future practical use of quantum computers, the Quantum Priority Program "Quantum Software, Algorithms, and Systems," starting on September 1, and the QuSol Project are pooling research activities from science and industry. Researchers at KIT focus on the development of application-oriented software within these initiatives, laying the foundation for future applications in areas such as logistics, materials research, or cryptography. The program is supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and QuSol by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR). (mk)

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