Potential Applications of Quantum Computing at Los Alamos National Laboratory (2406.06625v2)

Abstract: The emergence of quantum computing technology over the last decade indicates the potential for a transformational impact in the study of quantum mechanical systems. It is natural to presume that such computing technologies would be valuable to large scientific institutions, such as United States national laboratories. However, detailed descriptions of what these institutions would like to use these computers for are limited. To help provide some initial insights into this topic, this report develops detailed use cases of how quantum computing technology could be utilized to enhance a variety of quantum physics research activities at Los Alamos National Laboratory, including quantum magnetic materials, high-temperature superconductivity and nuclear astrophysics simulations. The report discusses how current high-performance computers are used for scientific discovery today and develops detailed descriptions of the types of quantum physics simulations that Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists would like to conduct, if a sufficient computing technology became available. While the report strives to highlight the breadth of potential application areas for quantum computation, this investigation has also indicated that many more use cases exist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, which could be documented in similar detail with sufficient time and effort.

• The paper presents a comprehensive survey of quantum computing applications at LANL, detailing experimental and theoretical approaches in fields like magnetism and driven-dissipative systems.
• It demonstrates how quantum simulation techniques can model complex phenomena such as high-temperature superconductivity via Fermi-Hubbard models and nuclear astrophysics challenges.
• The research outlines a roadmap for interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing long-term potential to overcome hardware limitations and drive breakthroughs in sustainable energy and physics.

Overview of "Potential Applications of Quantum Computing at Los Alamos National Laboratory"

The paper entitled "Potential Applications of Quantum Computing at Los Alamos National Laboratory" provides a comprehensive survey of potential applications and theoretical research avenues relevant to quantum computing at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Authored by a multidisciplinary team, the paper is structured into multiple chapters, each dedicated to specific scientific domains where quantum computing can offer novel insights and solutions. The document serves as both a testament to the emerging capabilities of quantum systems and a roadmap for future research directions.

The paper meticulously segments its discussion into several fields wherein quantum computing can deliver significant contributions:

1. Experimental Analysis and Exotic Phases of Magnetic Materials: Through the experimental facilities at MAGLAB and explorations of exotic phases near instabilities, the authors identify promising applications of quantum computing in identifying novel magnetic phenomena. Quantum techniques potentially offer enhanced computational modeling capacities, vital for simulating complex magnetic interactions.
2. Driven-dissipative Systems and the Ultrastrong Coupling Regime: Focusing on the Dicke model within the context of driven-dissipative systems in the ultrastrong coupling regime, the paper expounds on quantum computing's ability to simulate and analyze these interactions, which are challenging for classical systems due to the complex, non-equilibrium dynamics involved.
3. High-Temperature Superconductivity: The Fermi-Hubbard models are pivotal in studying high-temperature superconductivity, and the paper explores how quantum computation can be applied to simulate these models. This line of research promises enhanced understanding of superconducting materials, potentially leading to technological advancements in energy transmission and magnetic levitation.
4. Computational Catalysis in Artificial Photosynthesis: By leveraging quantum computing for computational catalysis, the authors describe potential breakthroughs in artificial photosynthesis. Simulating and optimizing catalysis processes could foster the development of sustainable and efficient energy solutions, aligning with global energy and environmental goals.
5. Simulations in Quantum Chromodynamics and Nuclear Astrophysics: Quantum chromodynamics and aspects of nuclear astrophysics pose intricate challenges due to the complex interactions and high energy scales involved. The utilization of quantum simulations could substantially enhance the accuracy and feasibility of modeling these phenomena, offering insights into fundamental physical processes such as nucleosynthesis in stars.

The paper stops short of declaring immediate, practical outputs from these explorations but emphasizes the theoretical implications and long-term promise of quantum computing. It is underlined that these applications are not yet fully realized due to the current limitations in quantum hardware and error rates, necessitating continued research into robust quantum algorithms and systems.

In terms of future research, the paper serves as a clarion call for collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts aimed at overcoming the extant challenges of quantum computing. The integration of quantum technologies at LANL is anticipated to catalyze scientific breakthroughs, pioneering new methodologies across diverse scientific disciplines. The importance of fostering symbiosis between theoretical advancements and practical implementations is highlighted, ensuring that quantum computing achieves its potential as a transformative scientific tool.

While current quantum systems remain in a nascent stage with respect to error mitigation and scalability, the prospects outlined by the paper suggest an exciting frontier in computational science. The discussions offered provide valuable guidance for researchers aiming to harness the quantum paradigm for tackling some of the most compelling scientific questions of our time.