Contribution to a book

PUBDB-2025-00030

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Chapter 8: Developing a Framework for Sonifying Variational Quantum Algorithms: Implications for Music Composition

Itaborai de Barros, P. V. (Corresponding author)Extern*DESY* ; Thomas, P. ; Crippa, A.DESY* ; Jansen, K.DESY* ; Schwägerl, T.Extern*DESY* ; Aguado, M.Extern*

2025
World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd Singapore
ISBN: 978-981-98-0017-9, 978-981-98-0018-6 (electronic)

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1142/9789819800186_0008  doi:10.3204/PUBDB-2025-00030

Report No.: arXiv:2409.07104

Abstract: This chapter examines the Variational Quantum Harmonizer, a software tool and musical interface that focuses on the problem of sonification of the minimization steps of Variational Quantum Algorithms (VQA), used for simulating properties of quantum systems and optimization problems assisted by quantum hardware. Particularly, it details the sonification of Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) problems using VQA. A flexible design enables its future applications both as a sonification tool for auditory displays in scientific investigation, and as a hybrid quantum-digital musical instrument for artistic endeavours. In turn, sonification can help researchers understand complex systems better and can serve for the training of quantum physics and quantum computing. The VQH structure, including its software implementation, control mechanisms, and sonification mappings are detailed. Moreover, it guides the design of QUBO cost functions in VQH as a music compositional object. The discussion is extended to the implications of applying quantum-assisted simulation in quantum-computer aided composition and live-coding performances. An artistic output is showcased by the piece \textit{Hexagonal Chambers} (Thomas and Itaboraí, 2023).

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Centre f. Quantum Techno. a. Application (CQTA)

Research Program(s):

1. 611 - Fundamental Particles and Forces (POF4-611) (POF4-611)
2. QUEST - QUantum computing for Excellence in Science and Technology (101087126) (101087126)

Experiment(s):

1. No specific instrument

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