RT Journal Article
T1 NetQIR: An extension of QIR for distributed quantum computing
A1 Cardama Santiago, Francisco Javier
A1 Vázquez Pérez, Jorge
A1 Piñeiro Pomar, César Alfredo
A1 Fernández Pena, Anselmo Tomás
A1 Pichel Campos, Juan Carlos
A1 Gómez, Andrés
K1 Distributed quantum computing
K1 Quantum intermediate representation
K1 Quantum internet
K1 Compilers
K1 Teledata
K1 Telegate
K1 Distributed quantum applications
K1 Computación cuántica distribuida
K1 Representación intermedia cuántica
K1 Internet cuántico
K1 Compiladores
K1 Teledatos
AB The rapid advancement of quantum computing has highlighted the need for scalable and efficient software infrastructures to fully exploit its potential. Current quantum processors face significant scalability constraints due to the limited number of qubits per chip. In response, distributed quantum computing (DQC) — achieved by networking multiple quantum processor units (QPUs)— is emerging as a promising solution. To support this paradigm, robust intermediate representations (IRs) are needed to translate high-level quantum algorithms into executable instructions suitable for distributed systems. This paper presents NetQIR, an extension of Microsoft’s Quantum Intermediate Representation (QIR), specifically designed to facilitate DQC by incorporating new instruction specifications. NetQIR was developed in response to the lack of abstraction at the network and hardware layers identified in the existing literature as a significant obstacle to effectively implementing distributed quantum algorithms. Based on this analysis, NetQIR introduces new essential abstraction features to support compilers in DQC contexts. It defines network communication instructions independent of specific hardware, abstracting the complexities of inter-QPU communication. Although the proposed work allows abstraction of the underlying network, it is important to note that it is intended for the development of high-performance code on future modular quantum architectures. Leveraging the QIR framework, NetQIR aims to bridge the gap between high-level quantum algorithm design and low-level hardware execution, thus promoting modular and scalable approaches to quantum software infrastructures for distributed applications. Furthermore, its design may serve as a foundational component for future implementations of distributed quantum standards such as the Quantum Message Passing Interface (QMPI).
PB Elsevier
SN 1872-7115
YR 2025
FD 2025-07-03
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10347/43044
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10347/43044
LA eng
NO Cardama, F. Javier, Vázquez-Pérez, Jorge, Piñeiro, César, Pena, Tomás F., Pichel, Juan C., Gómez, Andrés. (2025).  NetQIR: An extension of QIR for distributed quantum computing. "Future Generation Computer Systems", vol. 174
NO This work was supported by MICINN through the European Union NextGenerationEU recovery plan (PRTR-C17.I1), the Galician Regional Government through “Planes Complementarios de I+D+I con las Comunidades Autónomas” in Quantum Communication, MINECO (grants PID2019-104834GB-I00, PID2022-141623NB-I00 and PID2022-137 061OB-C22), Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria Galician Research Center accreditation 2024–2027 ED431G-2023/04, and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) .
DS Minerva
RD 29 abr 2026