The first part of this module is concerned with the microarchitecture we’ll use to specify a minimal set of instructions which can be executed in the “quantum accelerator” model. Nader Khammassi will introduce the arbiter, which determines whether to execute a given instruction on a classical or quantum processor. This spares the quantum computer from performing tasks which can be carried out more reliably and efficiently on classical hardware.

Main takeaway

• Many “quantum” algorithms are actually hybrids, having subroutines which can be carried out on a classical computer. This gives rise to the arbiter, a component of the software stack that determines which subroutines can be quickly carried out on a classical co-processor, keeping the quantum computer free for more important tasks.