Incorporating Quantum Computers into High Performance Computing (HPC) environments (commonly referred to as HPC+QC integration) marks a pivotal step in advancing computational capabilities for scientific research. Here we report the integration of a superconducting 20-qubit quantum computer into the HPC infrastructure at Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ), one of the first practical implementations of its kind. This yielded four key lessons: (1) quantum computers have stricter facility requirements than classical systems, yet their deployment in HPC environments is feasible when preceded by a rigorous site survey to ensure compliance; (2) quantum computers are inherently dynamic systems that require regular recalibration that is automatic and controllable by the HPC scheduler; (3) redundant power and cooling infrastructure is essential; and (4) effective hands-on onboarding should be provided for both quantum experts and new users. The identified conclusions provide a roadmap to guide future HPC center integrations.
@article{arxiv.2509.12949,
title = {First Practical Experiences Integrating Quantum Computers with HPC Resources: A Case Study With a 20-qubit Superconducting Quantum Computer},
author = {Eric Mansfield and Stefan Seegerer and Panu Vesanen and Jorge Echavarria and Burak Mete and Muhammad Nufail Farooqi and Laura Schulz},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2509.12949},
year = {2025}
}
Comments
submitted and accepted to SFWM workshop at SC25, St Louis, USA