Overview
ISO/IEC 4879:2024 - Information technology - Quantum computing - Vocabulary is the first-edition international standard (May 2024) that defines common terms used across the field of quantum computing. Its primary purpose is to provide a consistent, authoritative vocabulary to support clear communication, documentation, education, procurement and policy across all types of organizations (commercial enterprises, government agencies, not-for-profits, research institutions).
Key facts:
- Title: Information technology - Quantum computing - Vocabulary
- Reference: ISO/IEC 4879:2024 (first edition)
- Scope: Defines terms commonly used in quantum computing to enable exchange of concepts
- Normative references: None
Key topics covered
The standard organizes terminology into logical subject groups and provides definitions sourced from related ISO/IEC documents. Major topical areas include:
- Background terms (models, model parameters, machine learning, simulators, programming concepts)
- Quantum physics background (Hilbert space, operators, quantum state, superposition, entanglement, Hamiltonian, eigenstates/eigenvalues)
- Quantum information (quantum information, quantum encoding, qubit and related concepts)
- Quantum processing and technologies (measurement, coherence, decoherence, coherence and relaxation times)
- Related quantum technologies and cross-references to existing terminology databases
Examples of specific vocabulary defined in the standard: qubit, quantum state, quantum entanglement, Hilbert space, Hamiltonian, projective measurement, decoherence, coherence time.
Practical applications
ISO/IEC 4879:2024 is a foundational reference that adds practical value by:
- Ensuring consistent terminology in technical specifications, research papers, contracts and procurement documents
- Supporting interoperability among vendors, developers and integrators through shared definitions
- Aiding regulatory and policy work by reducing ambiguity in legal and security texts (e.g., discussions about cryptographic risk from quantum computers)
- Informing education, training and public communications on quantum computing concepts
- Helping standards committees and technical writers produce harmonized documentation
Who should use this standard
- Quantum hardware and software developers
- System integrators and cloud service providers offering quantum services
- Researchers and educators in quantum information science
- Procurement officers, legal and regulatory teams drafting contracts and policies
- Security teams assessing post-quantum risks
- Standards bodies and technical writers
Related standards and resources
ISO/IEC 4879 cites and aligns with terminology from existing standards and databases, for example:
By standardizing the vocabulary for quantum computing, ISO/IEC 4879:2024 helps organizations communicate precisely about emerging quantum technologies, their capabilities, and associated risks.