Phys.org July 29, 2022
Many of the most promising short-term applications of quantum computers fall under the umbrella of quantum simulation: modelling the quantum properties of microscopic particles that are directly relevant to modern materials science, high-energy physics, and quantum chemistry. This would impact several important real-world applications, such as developing materials for batteries, industrial catalysis or nitrogen fixing. Quantum simulation can be performed not only on future fault-tolerant digital quantum computers but also through special-purpose analogue quantum simulators. An international team of researchers (UK, Germany, Austria, USA – industry) has provided an overview of the state of the art and future perspectives for quantum simulation, arguing that a first practical quantum advantage already exists in the case of specialized applications of analogue devices, and that fully digital devices open a full range of applications but require further development of fault-tolerant hardware. Hybrid digital–analogue devices that exist today already promise substantial flexibility in near-term applications…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLEÂ
Overview of quantum simulators… Credit: Nature volume 607, pages667–676 (2022)Â