Summary
Quantum computers are extremely expensive and scarce, yet in the traditional model each program exclusively occupies an entire quantum machine, leading to wasted resources, long queues, and low utilization. HyperQ, presented at OSDI 2025, introduces the concept of quantum virtual machines (QVMs), multiplexing a single physical quantum computer across multiple programs in both time and space—much like classical server virtual machines running multiple applications concurrently. The central technical challenge is isolation, since crosstalk between qubits is a major source of quantum decoherence. HyperQ solves this with a space-time slicing scheme that ensures quantum circuits belonging to different virtual machines never overlap on the same physical qubits. The system is also fully compatible with existing quantum programs and compiler frameworks, so programs run unmodified and are unaware they are executing inside a virtual machine. Experiments on IBM Quantum services show quantum throughput improved by an order of magnitude, significantly reduced program latency, and unchanged fidelity—which is even higher in some cases due to better qubit mapping. HyperQ demonstrates that quantum hardware can be shared efficiently, bringing cloud-style virtualization economics to quantum computing.
HyperQ: Quantum Virtual Machines — One Quantum Computer, Many Programs
Quantum computers are extremely expensive and scarce. IBM's quantum computing service operates the world's largest quantum computer fleet, but in the traditional model each program exclusively occupies an entire quantum computer. This is not only wasteful but also causes queuing delays and low utilization.
Quantum Virtual Machines
HyperQ, presented at OSDI 2025, introduces quantum virtual machines (QVMs) — multiplexing a single physical quantum computer across multiple programs in both time and space, much like classical server virtual machines running multiple applications simultaneously.
The Core Challenge: Isolation
The key technical challenge is isolation: interference between qubits is a major source of quantum decoherence. HyperQ uses space-time slicing to ensure that quantum circuits belonging to different virtual machines never overlap on the same physical qubits. At the same time, it remains compatible with existing quantum programs and compiler frameworks — programs run unmodified and do not need to know they are executing on a virtual machine.
Results on IBM Quantum Services
Experiments on IBM Quantum services demonstrate:
- Quantum throughput improved by an order of magnitude (10x)
- Significantly reduced program latency
- Fidelity unaffected — and in some cases even higher, thanks to better qubit mapping
Feynman-style Commentary
If even qubits can be time-shared, what *can't* be shared?
> [HyperQ: Quantum Virtual Machines / OSDI 2025]
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