A Hierarchical Approach to Computer-Aided Design of Quantum Circuits

A new approach to synthesis of permutation class of quantum logic circuits has been proposed in this paper. This approach produces better results than the previous approaches based on classical reversible logic and can be easier tuned to any particular quantum technology such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). First we synthesize a library of permutation (pseudobinary) gates using a Computer-Aided-Design approach that links evolutionary and combinatorics approaches with human experience and creativity. Next the circuit is designed using these gates and standard 1*1 and 2*2 quantum gates and finally the optimizing tautological transforms are applied to the circuit, producing a sequence of quantum operations being close to operations practically realizable. These hierarchical stages can be compared to standard gate library design, generic logic synthesis and technology mapping stages of classical CAD systems, respectively. We use an informed genetic algorithm to evolve arbitrary quantum circuit specified by a (target) unitary matrix, specific encoding that reduces the time of calculating the resultant unitary matrices of chromosomes, and an evolutionary algorithm specialized to permutation circuits specified by truth tables. We outline interactive CAD approach in which the designer is a part of feedback loop in evolutionary program and the search is not for circuits of known specifications, but for any gates with high processing power and small cost for given constraints. In contrast to previous approaches, our methodology allows synthesis of both: small quantum circuits of arbitrary type (gates), and permutation class circuits that are well realizable in particular technology.