Quantum noise as a computational resource for materials science simulations

Abstract

Quantum computing could eventually bring forth the possibility to simulate novel materials in physics and chemistry beyond the reach of classical computers. Nonetheless, current quantum hardware is inherently noisy, restricting the scope to minimal working examples that do not represent any computational advantage. Although noise is typically considered undesirable, recent works propose to exploit the intrinsic noise in NISQ-devices as an integral part of the algorithm. In this work, we aim to construct a toolbox that is tailored to the simulation of non-equilibrium dynamics in electronic networks. Given the ubiquity and generality of this formalism in materials science, possible applications range from ultrafast process in photovoltaics, cavity-enhanced catalysis in electrochemistry or the characterization of the noise present in quantum hardware.