The power of one qubit in quantum simulation algorithms

Polla, S. (2024)

Doctoral Thesis

Quantum computing is an emerging technology, which holds the potential to simulate complex quantum systems beyond the reach of classical numerical methods.
Despite recent formidable advancements in quantum hardware, constructing a quantum computer capable of performing useful calculations remains challenging.
In the absence of a reliable quantum computer, the study of potential applications relies on mathematical methods, ingenious approximations, and heuristics derived from the fields of application.

This thesis focuses on developing new quantum algorithms, targeting some of the key challenges in the simulation of complex quantum systems.
The techniques introduced in this thesis span from quantum state preparation to mitigation of hardware and algorithmic noise, from efficient expectation value measurement to noise-resilient applications in quantum chemistry. 

A common thread connecting all these algorithms is the introduction of a single auxiliary qubit – a fundamental unit of quantum information – which has an active and distinctive role in the task at hand.

• Quantum computing
• Quantum simulation
• Quantum algorithms
• Quantum computational chemistry

• All authors: Polla, S.
• Supervisor: Beenakker, C.W.J.
• Co-supervisor: O'Brien, T.E.
• Committee: Aarts, J.; Roggero, A.; Schalm, K.E.; Terhal, B.M.; Visscher, L.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Leiden Institute of Physics (LION), Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2024-02-22
• Title of host publication: Casimir PhD Series
• ISBN (print): 9789085935872
• Name: 2024-02