The CCNY team in the discovery of the quantum algorithm

Researchers led by City College of New York physicist Pouyan Ghaemi report the development of a quantum algorithm with the potential to study a class of many-electron quantum systems using quantum computers. Their article, titled “Creating and Manipulating a Laughlin-Type ν = 1/3 Fractional Quantum Hall State on a Quantum Computer with Linear Depth Circuits”, appears in the December issue of Like PRX, a journal of the American Physical Society.

“Quantum physics is the fundamental theory of nature that leads to the formation of molecules and the resulting matter around us,” said Ghaemi, assistant professor in the Division of Science at CCNY. “It is already known that when we have a macroscopic number of quantum particles, such as electrons in the metal, interacting with each other, new phenomena such as superconductivity emerge.”

However, until now, according to Ghaemi, the tools for studying systems with large numbers of interacting quantum particles and their new properties have been extremely limited.

“Our research has developed a quantum algorithm that can be used to study a class of many-electron quantum systems using quantum computers. Our algorithm opens a new venue for using novel quantum devices to study problems that are quite challenging to study using. classical computers. Our results are new and motivate many subsequent studies, “added Ghaemi.

On possible applications for this advance, Ghaemi, who is also affiliated with the Graduate Center, CUNY noted: “Quantum computers have seen extensive developments in recent years. The development of new quantum algorithms, regardless of their direct application, will help to build quantum computer applications.

“I believe that direct application of our results is to provide tools to improve quantum computing devices. Their direct application in real life would emerge when quantum computers can be used for everyday applications.”