Programming Gate-based Hardware Quantum Computers for Music Cover Image

Programming Gate-based Hardware Quantum Computers for Music
Programming Gate-based Hardware Quantum Computers for Music

Author(s): Alexis Kirke
Subject(s): Music, ICT Information and Communications Technologies, Sociology of Art
Published by: Muzikološki institut SANU
Keywords: quantum computer music; algorithms; D-Wave;

Summary/Abstract: There have been significant attempts previously to use the equations of quantum mechanics for generating sound, and to sonify simulated quantum processes. For new forms of computation to be utilized in computer music, eventually hardware must be utilized. This has rarely happened with quantum computer music. One reason for this is that it is currently not easy to get access to such hardware. A second is that the hardware available requires some understanding of quantum computing theory. Tis paper moves forward the process by utilizing two hardware quantum computation systems: IBMQASM v1.1 and a D-Wave 2X. It also introduces the ideas behind the gate-based IBM system, in a way hopefully more accessible to computerliterate readers. Tis is a presentation of the frst hybrid quantum computer algorithm, involving two hardware machines. Although neither of these algorithms explicitly utilize the promised quantum speed-ups, they are a vital frst step in introducing QC to the musical feld. Te article also introduces some key quantum computer algorithms and discusses their possible future contribution to computer music.

  • Issue Year: 1/2018
  • Issue No: 24
  • Page Range: 21-37
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: English