Quantum Computing and Chemistry: Realizing the Promise of Quantum Information

Kade Head-Marsden, University of Minnesota

There is an exponential cost to obtaining molecular information pertinent to important processes such as catalysis, photosynthesis, and energy transfer and storage. While quantum computing showed early promise for reducing the scaling of these problems, practical realization of this promise has remained challenging. The primary challenge arises due to the noise experienced by the quantum system, limiting the size and complexity of possible algorithms and thus restricting the scope of possible applications. The detrimental effect of noise is because qubits, the base unit of quantum computation, are fundamentally interacting with their surroundings. As we navigate through this noisy quantum era, we need to find use-cases for the hardware we have access to now, along with creative paths forward. Here, I will introduce the ideas and potential behind quantum computing, discuss practical challenges, and outline on-going chemistry research inspired by these challenges in quantum information.

Town Talks will be held on Tuesdays at the Telluride Conference Center in Mountain Village June 3 to August 12 (with the exception of July 1). Doors open at 6 pm and the program starts at 6:30 pm. Free and open to the public.

Thanks to our title sponsor Alpine Bank and Telluride Mountain Village Owner’s Association.