Quantum computing has progressed from ideas and research to implementation and product development.  The original gate or circuit model of quantum computing has now been supplemented with several novel architectures that promise a quicker path to implementation and scaling. Additionally, there are multiple physical devices capable of providing controllable evolution of a quantum wavefunction which could form the basis for a quantum computer.

Real quantum computers implement a specific architecture using a particular choice of underlying devices.  The combination of architecture and device gives rise to the programming model and operating characteristics of the system.  The programming model in turn determines what kinds of algorithms the system can execute.

The D-Wave 2X quantum computer uses an adiabatic architecture with niobium flux qubits integrated on silicon wafers.  The programming model is error tolerant and allows for native expression of optimization problems stated over boolean variables.  This underlying capability allows for the execution of a wide class of optimization problems on the system.  The challenge in using this system is to find efficient mappings from the application domain.

This training course has been custom designed for CSC to address the fundamentals and programming of the D-Wave 2X. A combination of lectures and hands-on practical labs will guide the students through the quantum phenomena harnessed in quantum computers, to examples in constructing their own quantum algorithm. It concludes with a hands-on laboratory in which students will formulate and execute programs on a live quantum computer in Canada. By the end of the course, participants will understand the programming model of the D-Wave quantum computer and what makes it so powerful for a diverse range of optimization problems.

It is recommended that attendees have or are working toward a degree in computer science, math, and/or physics, or otherwise have sufficient familiarity with algorithms and data structures.

The workshop will feature also a Birds-of-a-Feather (BoF) session organized by CSC and Aalto University on quantum computing research activities in Finland and elsewhere and the future expectations. Snacks and drinks will be served. Feel free to prepare a short (10-15 min) talk about your research activities (not obligatory, of course).

CSC organizes the workshop in collaboration with the Centre for Quantum Engineering at Aalto University.