Quantum computing for plasma physics in magnetic-confinement fusion

Abstract: Plasma simulations for magnetic-confinement fusion (MCF) involve high-dimensional kinetic dynamics, strong nonlinear coupling, complex geometries, and multiscale spatiotemporal behavior, imposing severe computational bottlenecks. While quantum computing offers a potential alternative for accelerating plasma simulation problems, its practical advantage for fusion research has not yet been demonstrated. We review existing quantum computing studies across kinetic dynamics, wave interactions, equilibrium, and macroscopic stability, evaluating their hardware implementations and operational bottlenecks. Current studies remain largely restricted to linearized equations, reduced models, or isolated computational subroutines, leaving a substantial gap from realistic fusion simulations. We summarize key problem characteristics, including high dimensionality, structured dynamics, and measurement requirements, under which plasma applications are most likely to yield a quantum advantage. Guided by these considerations, we highlight potential approaches and present a roadmap toward practical quantum advantage of simulating plasma in MCF.