Chiral Discrimination on Gate-Based Quantum Computers

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method for chiral discrimination using gate-based quantum computers by adapting analog control protocols through discretization, validated via simulation and experiments on IBM hardware.

Contribution

It presents a novel adaptation of adiabatic and shortcut protocols for digital quantum computing to enable chiral molecule discrimination.

Findings

Successful simulation of 1,2-propanediol discrimination

Experimental validation on IBM quantum hardware

Demonstrates feasibility of quantum chiral discrimination

Abstract

We present a novel approach to chiral discrimination using gate-based quantum processors, addressing a key challenge in adapting conventional control techniques using modern quantum computing. Schemes such as stimulated rapid adiabatic passage (STIRAP) and shortcuts to adiabaticity (STAP) have shown strong potential for enantiomer discrimination; their reliance on analog and continuous-time control makes them incompatible with digital gate-based quantum computing architectures. Here, we adapt these protocols for quantum computers by discretizing their Gaussian-shaped pulses through Trotterization. We simulate the chiral molecule 1,2-propanediol and experimentally validate this gate-based implementation on IBM quantum hardware. Our results demonstrate that this approach is a viable foundation for advancing chiral discrimination protocols, preparing the way for quantum-level manipulation of molecular chirality on accessible quantum architectures.