A future quantum-based module in a classical computer that is used to offload certain processes. It is envisioned that in time a quantum coprocessor may be commonplace, allowing regular computers to perform quantum-computing operations, although limited in comparison to a full-blown quantum computer.
Virtual Quantum Coprocessors
Certain to precede a quantum coprocessor is coprocessing in the cloud. A virtual quantum coprocessor is cloud-based quantum computing that augments classical computing. Applications are written to offload certain problems to the quantum cloud and report the results back on the desktop computer. See
quantum computing.