Hybrid Quantum-Classical Computing

We describe how classical supercomputing can aid unreliable quantum processors of intermediate size to solve large problem instances reliably. We advocate using a hybrid quantum-classical architecture where larger quantum circuits are broken into smaller sub-circuits that are evaluated separately, either using a quantum processor or a quantum simulator running on a classical supercomputer. Circuit compilation techniques that determine which qubits are simulated classically will greatly impact the system performance as well as provide a tradeoff between circuit reliability and runtime.

Suchara, Martin; Alexeev, Yuri; Chong, Frederic; Finkel, Hal; Hoffmann, Henry; Larson, Jeffrey; Osborn, James; and Smith, Graeme