Dataflows and Computational Patterns for Hybrid Quantum-Classical Scientific Computing

Abstract

Hybrid quantum-classical computing has emerged as the dominant paradigm for near-term quantum applications, yet hybrid workflows are typically described by individual algorithms rather than their underlying execution behavior. We introduce the Quantum Execution Locality Framework (QELF), a qualitative framework for characterizing hybrid quantum-classical workflows according to recurring dataflow structures and quantum execution locality, the extent to which computation remains resident on the Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) before host intervention or classical synchronization. From a representative cross-section of applications, QELF identifies five recurring computational patterns with distinct locality characteristics and discusses their implications for communication overhead, workflow organization, and future hybrid computing architectures. By providing a common vocabulary for reasoning about hybrid workloads, QELF establishes a foundation for future quantitative validation and the co-design of algorithms, runtime systems, and hybrid computing architectures.