AWS Braket Enhances Support for Hybrid Quantum-Classical Workloads

AWS Enhancements to Braket for Hybrid Quantum Algorithms

Launched in 2019, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Braket provides access to quantum computing hardware and software from partners like Rigetti, IonQ, and D-Wave via the cloud. Significant advancements in the field have occurred since its initial release.

Hybrid algorithms, which leverage classical computers to refine quantum processes – akin to machine learning model training – are now commonplace for developers. AWS has recently announced improvements to Braket to better support the execution of these hybrid algorithms.

Previous Challenges in Hybrid Algorithm Execution

Historically, running these algorithms required developers to independently establish and maintain the infrastructure for classical optimization. This included managing integration with quantum hardware, alongside result monitoring and visualization tools.

Image Credits: AWS

A key issue was resource contention. Danilo Poccia of AWS explains that Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) are shared and have limited elasticity. Competition for access could significantly slow down algorithm execution.

Large workloads from other users could interrupt an algorithm, potentially extending runtime by hours. This impacts result quality, as QPUs require periodic recalibration, which can invalidate the progress of hybrid algorithms and potentially lead to failure, wasting both time and budget.

Introducing Amazon Braket Hybrid Jobs

The new Amazon Braket Hybrid Jobs feature offers a fully managed service. It handles the interactions between classical and quantum machines, streamlining the development process.

Developers now receive priority access to quantum processing units, enhancing predictability. Braket automatically provisions and deprovisions necessary resources upon job completion.

Custom metrics can be defined for algorithms, and results can be visualized in near real-time using Amazon CloudWatch.

Industry Response

“Braket Hybrid Jobs provides us with the opportunity to explore the potential of hybrid variational algorithms with our customers,” stated Vic Putz, head of engineering at QCWare.

He further noted the excitement surrounding the extended integration with Amazon Braket. The ability to run proprietary algorithm libraries within custom containers fosters rapid innovation in a secure environment.

QCWare expressed confidence in building this new capability into their stack, citing the operational maturity of Amazon Braket and the convenience of priority access to diverse quantum hardware.