Potential Applications of Quantum Computing at Los Alamos National Laboratory

TL;DR

This paper explores potential applications of quantum computing at Los Alamos National Laboratory, detailing specific use cases in quantum physics research and highlighting the transformative potential for scientific discovery.

Contribution

It provides detailed use cases and insights into how quantum computing could enhance research activities at a major national laboratory.

Findings

Quantum simulations could advance understanding of magnetic materials

Quantum computing may improve high-temperature superconductor research

Potential for new discoveries in nuclear astrophysics simulations

Abstract

The emergence of quantum computing technology over the last decade indicates the potential for a transformational impact in the study of quantum mechanical systems. It is natural to presume that such computing technologies would be valuable to large scientific institutions, such as United States national laboratories. However, detailed descriptions of what these institutions would like to use these computers for are limited. To help provide some initial insights into this topic, this report develops detailed use cases of how quantum computing technology could be utilized to enhance a variety of quantum physics research activities at Los Alamos National Laboratory, including quantum magnetic materials, high-temperature superconductivity and nuclear astrophysics simulations. The report discusses how current high-performance computers are used for scientific discovery today and develops detailed descriptions of the types of quantum physics simulations that Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists would like to conduct, if a sufficient computing technology became available. While the report strives to highlight the breadth of potential application areas for quantum computation, this investigation has also indicated that many more use cases exist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, which could be documented in similar detail with sufficient time and effort.