Google has made a breakthrough in quantum computing for material simulation

On November 10, Boston quantum computing start-up qsimulate and Google quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory released Fermi quantum simulator (FQE), a software framework for simulating quantum computer behavior in fermion simulation. Fermion simulation includes molecular electronic structure calculation for material discovery, which is one of the most promising applications of quantum computing.

FQE uses the common symmetries (i.e. number symmetry and spin symmetry) in chemistry, materials and condensed matter systems to obtain significant performance gain in simulating fermion quantum circuits. By increasing the simulation speed by several orders of magnitude, FQE helps quantum scientists predict the hardware resources required for material quantum computing and perform classical benchmarks for this simulation.

Ryan babbush, head of quantum algorithms in Google's quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, said: "FQE is a unique software for fermion quantum simulation. It is developed by combining Google's expertise in quantum computing algorithms and quantum simulation technology. The release of FQE marks a milestone in our cooperation with qssimulate, and we look forward to further cooperation."

At the same time as FQE was released, Google quantum artificial intelligence and qsimulate signed an agreement to expand their partnership. Toru Shiozaki, chief executive of qsimulate, said: "I am glad to see that this software framework is finally available for public use. The cooperation with Google is very fruitful. We look forward to this expanded relationship, which reflects the increasing business participation in quantum simulation and quantum computing, as well as the leading position of qsimulate and Google quantum artificial intelligence in this field."

FQE is open source under the Apache 2.0 license and is open to the public.

Link：https://quantum-journal.org/papers/q-2021-10-27-568/