IQM

Overview

IQM provides access to quantum computing resources through their cloud platform, IQM Resonance. Users can execute quantum algorithms on IQM’s quantum computers, such as the 20 qubit Garnet and the 6 qubit Deneb systems, using multiple supported software frameworks. IQM’s quantum processors are made up of superconducting transmon qubits, utilizing multiple topologies.

This guide describes how to use the systems once you have access. For instructions on how to gain access, see our Quantum Access page instead.

Connecting

Users can access information about IQM’s systems, view upcoming queue availability, view job history, and access training resources on their Resonance dashboard at https://resonance.meetiqm.com/.

Running Jobs & Queue Policies

Users can submit jobs to IQM backends both via a timeslot (reservation) system as well as a pay-as-you-go queue system.

In timeslot mode, your project is assigned specific quantum computer access periods that must be booked in advance. During these slots, access is exclusive to your project. The Resonance dashboard’s “Availability” section lists the schedule. Jobs can be submitted anytime but remain in a “waiting” state until the next active timeslot. An upcoming booked timeslot is required to submit jobs in this mode. For instructions on booking a timeslot see here.

In pay-as-you-go mode, allocation used is based on the QPU-reserved seconds your job uses. Jobs enter a global queue and run during designated pay-as-you-go windows, which may shift due to dedicated timeslot bookings. You can check your job’s queue position, estimated runtime, and final cost in the “Jobs” section of the Resonance dashboard. In light of this, for specific execution times, time-critical applications, or iterative algorithms, IQM recommends users consider using timeslots.

Allocations & Usage Limits

Running a job on the IQM hardware requires IQM credits. So as to make the most efficient use of credits, the following allocation policy is in effect:

  • Any request for credits must be submitted by the project Principle Investigator (PI) to help@olcf.ornl.gov

  • Requests for machine credits must be justified using an emulator/mock backend and IQM’s Resource Calculator. For justifying the pay-as-you-go method, we recommend using the Resource Calculator in combination with the credits per second pricing information listed in the “Quantum Computers” section on the resonance dashboard for a given backend.

  • Requests will be evaluated based on the provided technical justification, programmatic efficiency, and machine availability. The effective usage of prior allocations by the project will also be considered.

IQM API

To prepare jobs for submission, see the guide How to run my first algorithm and the video tutorial for this on https://www.iqmacademy.com/tutorials/resonance/ to walk through this process in detail.

Jupyter at OLCF: If you do not want to install Jupyter yourself, users can leverage OLCF’s JupyterHub service to help create a python environment to access IQM systems.

API Keys

Submitting jobs to IQM’s hardware backends requires an IQM API key, which can be generated from on their Resonance dashboard at https://resonance.meetiqm.com/. IQM API keys can only be viewed when they are generated, and IQM recommends storing each API key locally in an environment variable. Instructions for generating and storing IQM API keys can be found here.

Submitting Jobs

Once you have been granted credits (process detailed in Allocations & Usage Limits), you can can request a timeslot or use the pay-as-you-go option. Usage pricing, circuit limits, and shot limits for each of the available computers is listed on the resonance dashboard when you click on either of the backends in the “Quantum Computers” section.

With your IQM API key, users submit job to a given backend’s URL: e.g. for garnet:

  • General URL: https://cocos.resonance.meetiqm.com/garnet (can only be used for pay-as-you-go)

  • Timeslot URL: https://cocos.resonance.meetiqm.com/garnet:timeslot (can only be used for timeslots)

  • Mock URL: https://cocos.resonance.meetiqm.com/garnet:mock (syntax checker – if available)

Checking System Availability

Current status listing and scheduled maintenance for IQM’s quantum resources can be found under the availability tab here.

Software

Additional Resources

  • For a complete list of IQM’s available tutorials on the foundations of quantum computing, applications, and algorithms, see here

  • IQM’s Resource Calculator