OpenQL: A Portable Quantum Programming Framework for Quantum Accelerators

With the potential of quantum algorithms to solve intractable classical problems, quantum computing is rapidly evolving, and more algorithms are being developed and optimized. Expressing these quantum algorithms using a high-level language and making them executable on a quantum processor while abstracting away hardware details is a challenging task. First, a quantum programming language should provide an intuitive programming interface to describe those algorithms. Then a compiler has to transform the program into a quantum circuit, optimize it, and map it to the target quantum processor respecting the hardware constraints such as the supported quantum operations, the qubit connectivity, and the control electronics limitations. In this article, we propose a quantum programming framework named OpenQL, which includes a high-level quantum programming language and its associated quantum compiler. We present the programming interface of OpenQL, we describe the different layers of the compiler and how we can provide portability over different qubit technologies. Our experiments show that OpenQL allows the execution of the same high-level algorithm on two different qubit technologies, namely superconducting qubits and Si-Spin qubits. Besides the executable code, OpenQL also produces an intermediate quantum assembly code, which is technology independent and can be simulated using the QX simulator.

Embedded software developments in KM3NeT phase I

The KM3NeT collaboration has already produced more than one thousand acquisition boards, used for building two deep-sea neutrino detectors at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea, with the aim of instrumenting a volume of several cubic kilometers with light sensors to detect the Cherenkov radiation produced in neutrino interactions. The so-called digital optical modules, house the PMTs and the acquisition and control electronics of the module, the central logic board, which includes a Xilinx FPGA and embedded soft processor. The present work presents the architecture and functionalities of the software embedded in the soft processor of the central logic board.

An Instrument for the Characterization and Calibration of Optical Sensors

This paper presents the development of a hardware/software system for the characterization of the electronic response of optical (camera) sensors such as matrix and linear color and monochrome Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS). The electronic response of a sensor is required for inspection purposes. It also allows the design and calibration of the integrating device to achieve the desired performance. The proposed instrument equipment fulfills the most recent European Machine Vision Association (EMVA) 1288 standard ver. 3.1: the spatial non uniformity of the illumination ΔE must be under 3%, and the sensor must achieve an f-number of 8.0 concerning the light source. The following main innovations have achieved this: an Ulbricht sphere providing a uniform light distribution (irradiation) of 99.54%; an innovative illuminator with proper positioning of color Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and control electronics; and a flexible C# program to analyze the sensor parameters, namely Quantum Efficiency, Overall System Gain, Temporal Dark Noise, Dark Signal Non Uniformity (DSNU1288), Photo Response Non-Uniformity (PRNU1288), Maximum achievable Signal to Noise Ratio (SNRmax), Absolute sensitivity threshold, Saturation Capacity, Dynamic Range, and Dark Current. This new instrument has allowed a camera manufacturer to design, integrate, and inspect numerous devices and camera models (Necta, Celera, and Aria).

Conquering the Tyranny of Number With Digital Microfluidics

The development of large-scale integration based on soft lithography has ushered a new revolution in microfluidics. This technology, however, relies inherently on pneumatic control of micromechanical valves that require air pressure to operate, while digital microfluidics uses a purely electrical signal on an electrode for droplet manipulation. In this article, we discuss the prospect and current challenges of digital microfluidics to solve the problem of the tyranny of numbers in arbitrary fluidic manipulation. We distill the fundamental physics governing electrowetting and their implications for specifications of the control electronics. We survey existing control electronics in digital microfluidics and detail the improvements needed to realize a low-power, programmable digital microfluidic system. Such an instrument would attract wide interest in both professional and non-professional (hobbyist) communities.

The Role of Competitive Robotics in Providing Context to Classroom Learning and Technical Skill Development in School Age Students—A Survey of Current Avenues, Assessment, and Path Forward with Systematic Implementation

Finding context, examples, and ample hands-on experimentation is fundamental for understanding complex ideas in subjects such as science and math. Recent popularity of competitive robotics has become a catalyst in the development of DIY and hobby kits. Manufacturers have made available easy to work, re-configurable, and functional, structural elements as well as control electronics. Additionally, extensive participation from the open-source software community is providing cutting edge and effective software. Despite all the right ingredients, competitive robotics continues to be unregulated and non-standardized. Additionally, in absence of regulations and standards, the organizers, suppliers, educators, and participants are left to their own means and resources that necessarily may not align with systematic learning. The cost of approved competitive kits as well as field kits becomes inhibitive for students from poorer communities. This paper surveys a wide range of competitive robotics avenues available to school-age students. A survey with various stake holders including participants, mentors, referees, and organizers is done and findings are included. A path for standardizing competitive robotics within the framework of the World Robotics League is found to be an effective tool to train the students. A description of the World Robotics League framework and initial findings are reported.

A Subsea Winched Profiling System (SWIPS) for Long-Term High-Resolution Measurements in Ocean Surface Layers

To overcome the lack of year-long profiling data of upper ocean layers, an autonomous Subsea Winched Profiling System (SWIPS) was developed at the German Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research. Mounted on the top of a scientific mooring, the SWIPS can winch a profiling unit equipped with various sensors from 200-m water depth to the surface. The entire construction was deliberately designed to be compact and lightweight in order to simplify handling and improve performance in the water. Profiler and winch units are connected by an electro-mechanical cable, which is used for a communication link between these two components. This connection enables the main control electronics to use pressure recordings from the conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) sensor for controlling the depth of the profiling unit in real time and a storage of the measured data in the winch unit as a safety backup. Moreover, the cable supplies the profiling unit with power from batteries stored in the winch unit. Several tests and demonstration deployments have shown the operational readiness of the system.

Application Of Coatings With Smart Functions

: To obtain the different types of technical utilities, the surface of various systems needs to be modified by altering surface properties using polymer coating(s) which is one of the emerging technologies to impart smart functions. The polymer coating has a wide application in various fields such as biomedicals, pharmaceuticals, packaging, corrosion control, electronics, and abrasion control. The coating can be done using both biodegradable and non-degradable polymers having eminent properties such as better mechanical strength, anti-wear characteristics, corrosion protection, electrical conductivity, biocompatibility, and high surface functionality. Several methods have been reported for the fabrication of defensive coatings. A thoughtful selection of polymers, coating methods, and critical process parameters may bring forth a better protective coating with advanced properties. This review discusses objectives of the polymer coating, various coating technologies, and their smart applications.