Killoran builds software connecting quantum computation with modern programming, coauthoring PennyLane’s differentiable framework and Strawberry Fields’ tools for designing and simulating photonic quantum circuits.
PennyLane / XanaduarXivarXiv / QuantumKilloran’s work makes quantum ideas accessible through executable software. Strawberry Fields provides a programming and simulation environment for continuous-variable photonic circuits, while PennyLane connects parameterized quantum circuits with automatic differentiation and classical optimization. Both are collaborative projects documented in their research papers. His current PennyLane profile identifies a focus on software for fault-tolerant computing at Xanadu. The combination of algorithms, interfaces and open tools gives researchers a practical route from a mathematical circuit to an experiment.
PennyLane / XanaduarXivarXiv / QuantumThe work behind the recognition
Work, in context- 2018
Differentiable quantum programming with PennyLane
Killoran coauthored PennyLane, a software framework that combines quantum-circuit gradients with classical automatic differentiation. Its architecture connects quantum simulators and hardware through plugins and supports optimization of hybrid quantum-classical computations.
Coauthor of the PennyLane framework paper; the software is a collaborative project.
Source-supported recordarXiv - 2019
Programming photonic circuits with Strawberry Fields
As first author, Killoran introduced Strawberry Fields with a team at Xanadu. The open-source framework combines a quantum programming language, simulators and compilation tools for continuous-variable photonic circuits. The journal paper appeared in 2019.
First author of the Strawberry Fields paper; platform development is attributed to the Xanadu team.
Source-supported recordarXiv / Quantum
Keep in perspective
Current title follows the updated PennyLane profile; older CTO-software biographies are superseded.
Work-base country is not specified by the role source.
The evidence map
Both views link each contribution to its sources. Choose a contribution on the map or read them all in the list.
Differentiable quantum programming with PennyLane
PennyLane: Automatic differentiation of hybrid quantum-classical computations
Supports: Authorship and differentiable hybrid programming architecture.
Published 12 Nov 2018 · Checked 19 Sept 2026Credit & limits: Coauthor of the PennyLane framework paper; the software is a collaborative project.
Read the full contribution| Contribution | Evidence & what it supports | Credit & limits |
|---|---|---|
| Differentiable quantum programming with PennyLane2018 | Research preprintPennyLane: Automatic differentiation of hybrid quantum-classical computations Authorship and differentiable hybrid programming architecture. Published 12 Nov 2018 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Coauthor of the PennyLane framework paper; the software is a collaborative project. |
| Programming photonic circuits with Strawberry Fields2019 | Primary paperStrawberry Fields: A Software Platform for Photonic Quantum Computing First authorship, platform components, journal publication in 2019. Published 9 Apr 2018 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 | First author of the Strawberry Fields paper; platform development is attributed to the Xanadu team. |
Follow the evidence
3 sourcesPrimary papers, institutional records and attributed announcements. Each source supports the claims linked above.
- PennyLane / XanaduInstitutional record
Nathan Killoran — PennyLane profile
Current self-identified SVP Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing Software and Xanadu association.
Checked 19 Sept 2026 - arXivResearch preprint
PennyLane: Automatic differentiation of hybrid quantum-classical computations
Authorship and differentiable hybrid programming architecture.
Published 12 Nov 2018 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 - arXiv / QuantumPrimary paper
Strawberry Fields: A Software Platform for Photonic Quantum Computing
First authorship, platform components, journal publication in 2019.
Published 9 Apr 2018 · Checked 19 Sept 2026