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Quantum Algorithms and Software

Quantum computing is a powerful paradigm that enables faster algorithms than classical computing. To use quantum computers for practical tasks, one needs to write quantum software. Our focus is on design automation tasks for quantum software, particularly in the areas of compilation, verification, and simulation. We have achieved results in optimal quantum circuit synthesis and optimal quantum circuit layout mapping. Due to the measurement problem in quantum mechanics, traditional unit testing is difficult to apply in quantum computation, making formal methods essential. This, in turn, requires new insights into the logic of quantum systems. We also work on high-assurance post-quantum cryptographic software.

Social Impact

Quantum computing is an upcoming technology, so there is a strategic value in early adoption of this powerful computing technology, which can help solving urgent problems in drugs discovery and green logistics. Our quantum software design tools will help early adopters to program quantum applications and to simulate them or compile them efficiently on available quantum computer platforms. 

Key publications

Irfansha Shaik, Jaco van de Pol
CNOT-Optimal Clifford Synthesis as SAT (SAT’25) 

Irfansha Shaik, Jaco van de Pol
On Exact Sizes of Minimal CNOT Circuits (RC’25) 

Irfansha Shaik, Jaco van de Pol
Optimal Layout-Aware CNOT Circuit Synthesis with Qubit Permutation (ECAI’24) 

Irfansha Shaik, Jaco van de Pol
Optimal Layout Synthesis for Deep Quantum Circuits on NISQ Processors with 100+ Qubits (SAT’24) 

Chris Heunen, Nicolaas P. Landsman, Bas Spitters
A topos for algebraic quantum theory (CMP'09) 

Karthikeyan Bhargavan, Lasse Letager Hansen, Franziskus Kiefer, Jonas Schneider-Bensch, Bas Spitters
Formal Security and Functional Verification of Cryptographic Protocol Implementations in Rust