Quantum computing hardware in the cloud: Should a computational chemist care?

Rossi, A., Baity, P. G. , Schäfer, V. M. and Weides, M. (2021) Quantum computing hardware in the cloud: Should a computational chemist care? International Journal of Quantum Chemistry, 121(14), e26688. (doi: 10.1002/qua.26688)

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Abstract

Within the last decade much progress has been made in the experimental realization of quantum computing hardware based on a variety of physical systems. Rapid progress has been fuelled by the conviction that sufficiently powerful quantum machines will herald enormous computational advantages in many fields, including chemical research. A quantum computer capable of simulating the electronic structures of complex molecules would be a game changer for the design of new drugs and materials. Given the potential implications of this technology, there is a need within the chemistry community to keep abreast with the latest developments as well as becoming involved in experimentation with quantum prototypes. To facilitate this, here we review the types of quantum computing hardware that have been made available to the public through cloud services. We focus on three architectures, namely superconductors, trapped ions and semiconductors. For each one we summarize the basic physical operations, requirements and performance. We discuss to what extent each system has been used for molecular chemistry problems and highlight the most pressing hardware issues to be solved for a chemistry-relevant quantum advantage to eventually emerge.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Funding information: Christ Church College, Oxford; Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, UK Government; Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Grant/Award Number: EP/T001062/1; UK Research and Innovation, Grant/Award Number: MR/T041110/1
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Weides, Professor Martin and Baity, Dr Paul
Creator Roles:
Baity, P.Resources, Writing – original draft
Weides, M.Resources, Writing – original draft
Authors: Rossi, A., Baity, P. G., Schäfer, V. M., and Weides, M.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
Journal Name:International Journal of Quantum Chemistry
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:0020-7608
ISSN (Online):1097-461X
Published Online:06 May 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 The Authors
First Published:First published in International Journal of Quantum Chemistry 121(14): e26688
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
306059EPSRC Hub for Quantum Computing and SimulationMartin WeidesEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/T001062/1ENG - Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering