XACC Quantum Execution Engine: Streamlining Quantum Computing through QIR Interpretation*

The "Quantum Execution Engine" (QEE) marks a practical advancement in computational science, effectively bridging quantum and classical computing by interpreting Quantum Intermediate Representation (QIR). This engine supports a wide range of quantum instructions and manages quantum results, which is essential for researchers and developers working on quantum algorithms. By processing QIR, the QEE standardizes the execution of quantum programs, making it easier to work across different platforms and quantum hardware. This is particularly important in a field where hardware capabilities can vary significantly. The engine's compatibility with the XACC framework further enhances its utility, providing a hardware-agnostic environment that many researchers may find beneficial. In our presentation, we'll provide an overview of the QEE's architecture and its use of QIR. We'll explain how it handles quantum instructions, manages results, and integrates with existing quantum computing frameworks through XACC. The discussion will be straightforward, focusing on the engine's practical applications in quantum computational science. We want to highlight the QEE's robust support for variational methods, which are instrumental in advancing research in physics and chemistry. The QEE offers a tangible way forward in the complex landscape of quantum computing, presenting a pragmatic approach that could help many in the field.