University of Sydney physicists exploring uses of quantum computers in modeling chemical bonds have achieved another first. Using 4 qubits from a 20 qubit systems, the team simulated hydrogen and lithium hydride. Use of the molecular hydrogen and lithium hydride were ideal as they are well-understood. This provided a test-case for quantum computing and chemical simulation.
“Artist’s impression of lithium hydride molecule approaching its ground state energy.” (Image Credit: Harald Ritsch, IQOQI Innsbruck)