Quantum computing is emerging as a complementary computing paradigm for scientific problems that are difficult to address efficiently using classical systems alone. Realizing its potential requires more than access to quantum hardware: quantum resources must be integrated with established HPC environments, algorithms must account for current hardware limitations, and researchers need suitable software, expertise, and realistic methods for evaluating possible applications.
The Simulation and Data Lab Quantum Computing connects quantum computing with the classical NHR infrastructure. It supports the development and evaluation of hybrid quantum-classical workflows, the hardware-aware compilation of quantum circuits, and the use of established quantum software frameworks. Its activities are closely coordinated with the Jülich Supercomputing Centre and draw on the quantum-computing expertise and infrastructure available at Goethe University Frankfurt.
A particular focus lies on bridging the gap between classical simulation and execution on current noisy quantum systems. Through access to quantum systems and simulators, individual consulting, collaborative research, and practical training, the SDL enables researchers to assess quantum-computing approaches and integrate suitable methods into their scientific workflows.
Access to Quantum Computing Resources
Baby Diamond at Goethe University Frankfurt
As a member of NHR@SW, Goethe University Frankfurt is opening its quantum computer Baby Diamond to NHR users throughout Germany. Access is being introduced in two phases.
Quantum Annealing at Jülich
Through its cooperation with MSQC and the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, the SDL supports interested researchers in accessing the D-Wave quantum annealer at Forschungszentrum Jülich. The team advises users on suitable application scenarios, problem formulation, and the implementation of quantum-annealing workflows.
Competencies
Quantum–HPC Integration
Integrating local and remote quantum resources into classical HPC infrastructures and developing portable hybrid quantum-classical workflows.
Hybrid Quantum-Classical Algorithms
Developing and evaluating algorithms that combine quantum processing with classical simulation, optimization, and data analysis.
Quantum Software and Frameworks
Supporting established quantum software development kits such as Qiskit and helping researchers select suitable programming tools and execution environments.
Hardware-Aware Compilation
Adapting and routing quantum circuits for the connectivity, gate sets, and operational constraints of physical quantum processors.
Error Characterization and Mitigation
Analyzing noise and hardware errors and developing scalable methods for improving the reliability of computations on current quantum systems.
Quantum Annealing and Optimization
Assessing discrete optimization problems for quantum annealers and supporting their formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
Services
- Individual consulting on the suitability of quantum-computing approaches for scientific problems
- Support in selecting quantum hardware, simulators, software frameworks, and programming environments
- Access guidance for Baby Diamond, quantum simulators, and quantum-annealing resources
- Development and evaluation of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms and workflows
- Support for circuit compilation, routing, error characterization, and error mitigation
- Practical workshops and hands-on training in quantum programming and resource assessment
- Collaborative development of application demonstrators and research prototypes
Research
Project Highlight
TruQuaC: Trustworthy Quantum Control and Communication
TruQuaC develops a secure and robust platform for operating distributed quantum nodes, initially within classical communication networks. Its control and security architecture verifies access, distributes computational tasks, monitors the status of quantum nodes, and responds automatically to faults.
Quantum network gateways provide secure interfaces between the central platform and individual quantum systems. The goal is to give users access to heterogeneous quantum nodes through a common interface without requiring them to manage the underlying network. The project will connect multiple quantum nodes and evaluate the infrastructure under realistic network conditions.
Dr. Manpreet Jattana is the principal investigator at Goethe University Frankfurt and leads the university’s contribution through MSQC.
Training Activities
- Applied Quantum ComputingHands-on introduction to evaluating and applying current quantum-computing technologies to scientific problems using quantum simulators and available hardware.
- Programming a Quantum ComputerIntroduction to quantum circuits, gates, measurements, and the implementation and execution of quantum programs using established software frameworks.
Community Activities
ISC Sofa Talk 2026
The SDL contributed to the NHR@SW Sofa Talk “Teaching with Quantum Computers” at ISC 2026 in Hamburg, hosted by Prof. Thomas Lippert.
NHR Computational Physics Symposium
The SDL contributes quantum-computing expertise and practical hands-on elements to the NHR Computational Physics Symposium.
Quantum Computing Seminar Series 2024–2026
The team regularly hosts scientific talks on strongly correlated quantum systems, machine learning for quantum processors, quantum error correction and mitigation, variational quantum eigensolvers, and diamond-based nitrogen-vacancy systems.
Scientific and Public Outreach 2023–2025
Members of the SDL have presented quantum-computing research and applications at scientific, industrial, and public events, including activities with Deutsche Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, the Physikalischer Verein, SPIE Photonics West, and the CSIR Quantum Conclave.
Team
Lead PIs
Team Members
Selected Publications
2026
- Quantum Computing for Discrete Optimization: A Highlight of Three TechnologiesEuropean Journal of Operational Research, vol. 329, pp. 747–766, 2026
2025
- Extending the OmpSs-2 Programming Model for Hybrid Quantum-Classical ProgrammingarXiv:2502.21104, 2025 · DOI
- A Survey on Integrating Quantum Computers into High Performance Computing SystemsarXiv:2507.03540, 2025 · DOI
- Q-AIM: A Unified Portable Workflow for Seamless Integration of Quantum ResourcesQC–HORIZON 2025, Computer Science Research Notes, vol. 3502, no. 2 · DOI
- Predictive Tracking of the NV Center Based on External Temperature SensorsApplied Physics Letters, vol. 127, no. 22, article 224002, 2025 · DOI
2024
- Scalable General Error Mitigation for Quantum CircuitsarXiv:2411.07916, 2024 · DOI
- Shuttling Compiler for a Trapped-Ion Quantum Computer Architecture with Junctions2024 IEEE International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering (QCE), pp. 1065–1076 · DOI
- Quantum Annealer Accelerates the Variational Quantum Eigensolver in a Triple-Hybrid AlgorithmPhysica Scripta, vol. 99, no. 9, 2024 · DOI
2023
- Quantum Circuit Compiler for a Shuttling-Based Trapped-Ion Quantum ComputerQuantum, vol. 7, article 1176, 2023 · DOI