Engineering researchers have made significant progress by creating a quantum microprocessor chip capable of simulating molecular spectroscopy for large and complex molecules.
Quantum simulation allows scientists to analyze and study complicated systems, which can be difficult or even impossible to explore using traditional computers. This technology has applications in various areas, including financial modeling, cybersecurity, drug discovery, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. For example, understanding molecular vibronic spectra is vital for analyzing and designing molecules. However, it remains a challenging computational task that traditional supercomputers cannot solve efficiently. Researchers are actively engaged in developing quantum computers and algorithms to tackle molecular vibronic spectra simulations, but existing methods are limited to simpler molecules due to issues with accuracy and noise.
Researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have pioneered a quantum microprocessor chip designed for simulating molecular spectroscopy of large and complex molecules, marking a first in the world. Accurately capturing quantum effects demands carefully crafted simulations that incorporate quantum superposition and entanglement, which are difficult to model using classical methods. This research is detailed in the journal Nature Communications in a paper titled “Large-scale photonic network with squeezed vacuum states for molecular vibronic spectroscopy.” This innovative technology opens new pathways for addressing challenging quantum chemistry issues, including calculations that exceed classical computer capabilities.
The research team is headed by Professor LIU Ai-Qun, a Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science and the Director of the Institute for Quantum Technology (IQT), along with Dr. ZHU Hui Hui, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department and the lead author of the study. Collaborators include researchers from Nanyang Technological University, City University of Hong Kong, Beijing Institute of Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, the Institute of Microelectronics, and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden.
Dr. Zhu’s team has successfully demonstrated a comprehensive quantum microprocessor chip and proposed a complex theoretical model utilizing a linear photonic network and squeezed vacuum quantum light sources for simulating molecular vibronic spectra. This 16-qubit quantum microprocessor chip has been manufactured and integrated into a single device. The project has resulted in a complete system that includes the optical, electrical, and thermal packaging for the quantum photonic microprocessor chip, as well as an electrical control module. Software has been developed for device drivers, user interface, and fully programmable quantum algorithms. This newly developed quantum computing system provides a foundational element for further applications.
The quantum microprocessor can be instrumental in addressing complex challenges, such as simulating large protein structures or optimizing molecular reactions with enhanced speed and precision. Dr. Zhu noted, “Our method could pave the way for practical molecular simulations that go beyond classical approaches and hold potential for achieving quantum efficiencies in related quantum chemistry tasks.”
Quantum technologies play a vital role in scientific disciplines like materials science, chemistry, and condensed matter physics. As a promising hardware platform, the quantum microprocessor chips offer a valuable alternative for processing quantum information.
The research results and the integrated quantum microprocessor chip have opened up exciting opportunities for numerous practical uses, such as addressing molecular docking challenges and employing quantum machine learning methods like graph classification. Professor Liu stated, “Our work is motivated by the potential real-world impact of quantum simulation technologies. In our next phase, we intend to scale up the microprocessor to explore more complex applications that could benefit society and industry.”
This team has introduced a groundbreaking advancement in quantum technology that can be seen as “a game changer.” They have successfully addressed the demanding task of simulating molecular spectroscopy through a quantum computing microprocessor. Their findings represent a significant progression in quantum technology and its possible applications in quantum computing.
