In Pursuit of the First Useful Quantum Computations for Chemistry

Explore the potential impact of quantum computing on chemistry in this 47-minute lecture by Peter Johnson from Zapata Computing. Delve into the challenges of identifying high-utility problem instances and estimating timelines for practical quantum applications in scientific computation. Examine recent progress in anticipating the first useful quantum computations and the software tools aiding this exploration. Learn about the limitations of the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) algorithm for estimating ground state energies of molecules and discover a collection of recently developed quantum algorithms designed for early fault-tolerant quantum computers. Gain insights into the spectrum of quantum algorithms, from near-term to far-term approaches, and understand their capabilities and limitations. Analyze resource estimates for running these algorithms on superconducting qubits and ion trap systems, and consider the implications for the development of quantum algorithms and hardware in tackling challenges in quantum chemistry.