QNodeOS is the world's first operating system designed to connect different types of quantum computers, paving the way for a quantum internet.
In a new study published in the journal Nature, scientists describe QNodeOS, an operating system that works with any type of quantum computer regardless of the type of quantum bits (qubits) used. This allows multiple quantum computers to be connected to each other and controlled by the same central platform, Live Science reported on April 23.
Operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Apple iOS are the programs responsible for managing all applications on a computer. However, most quantum computers are designed and built for a dedicated function, such as running experiments or simulations, which limits their functionality and hinders their connectivity of quantum computers. Different types of quantum computers also use different types of qubits to achieve quantum superposition (quantum systems can exist in multiple physical states at the same time).
QNodeOS operates through a combination of a classical network processing unit (CNPU) and a quantum network processing unit (QNPU) to control a separate quantum device called a QDevice. QDevice is a technology that relies on quantum hardware, responsible for performing quantum operations such as gates, measurements, and connections. Each quantum computer requires a QDevice for the QNodeOS operating system to operate.
A key component of QNodeOS is the QDriver, which connects QNodeOS to QDevice. QDriver translates independent quantum operations from QNodeOS into specific instructions and vice versa, allowing QNodeOS to control different quantum computers. The implementation also requires NetQASM, a common instruction set architecture for quantum Internet applications.
Scientists tested QNodeOS by connecting different quantum computers and running test programs in the same way a classical computer performs calculations over the cloud. However, they will need to conduct more experiments with different types of quantum computers as well as increasing the distance between them to perfect the system. The study shows that it is possible to place the CNPU and QNPU on a single system board to avoid millisecond latency instead of relying on two separate boards.
An operating system for quantum computers is an important step forward in technological development. It can support distributed computing and lay the foundation for the quantum Internet in the future.
(According to Live Science)