Single-atom quantum computer simulates molecules absorbing light

Researchers have successfully simulated the behavior of real molecules absorbing light over time using a single-atom quantum computer, a breakthrough in quantum computing. This new method offers a significant advancement in simulating complex chemical processes. The team used a trapped-ion quantum computer and a novel mixed qudit-boson simulation technique to model the dynamic changes in molecules like allene, butatriene, and pyrazine after light absorption. This approach is significantly more resource-efficient than previous methods. The simulation slowed down the real-world processes by a factor of 100 billion, allowing researchers to observe the intricate interactions. This advancement could lead to better understanding of processes like photosynthesis and the development of new light-based therapies.