Quantum physicists from Trinity College in collaboration with IBM Dublin have achieved a groundbreaking simulation of super-diffusion on a quantum computer. This achievement marks a significant step in conducting complex calculations of quantum transport using quantum equipment, which will ultimately lead to new advancements in condensed matter and material sciences.
The study, published in the prestigious journal Nature NPJ Quantum Information, is among the first outcomes of the TCD-IBM workout scholarships program. The quantum computer used in the study consists of 27 superconducting qubits and is located in the IBM laboratory in New York.
Professor John Gold of Trinity College, who led the study, emphasized the significance of their work, explaining that simulating complex quantum systems on classical computers is an overwhelmingly challenging task. He further highlighted that simulating a system of 300 qubits would require more coefficients than the number of atoms in the observable universe.
The main achievement of this research is the successful simulation of the long-term behavior of a system comprising small interconnected magnets. These magnet simulations serve as a model to understand more complex materials and their magnetic properties. The study describes the regime in which superdiffusion occurs, achieved through a control process known as the Cardar-Parisi-Jang equation.
Nathan Kinan, a scientist from IBM-Trinity, shed light on the challenges of programming quantum computers, specifically mentioning noise and obstacles as the primary obstacles faced by researchers.
Juan Bernabe-Morino, the Research Director for IBM in the UK and Ireland, expressed his satisfaction with the long-term partnership between Trinity and IBM, emphasizing the fruitful results of their collaboration.
Trinity College continues to remain at the forefront of quantum simulation, actively collaborating with industry leaders such as IBM and Microsoft, among others.