Quantum algorithm

Quantum mechanics

Algorithm

Quantum computer

Quantum process

Computer science

Statistical physics

Physics

Quantum phase estimation algorithm

Quantum dynamics

Quantum network

Quantum

Quantum operation

Quantum information

Open quantum system

Quantum simulator

Using quantum algorithms to simulate complex physical processes and correlations in quantum matter has been a major direction of quantum computing research, towards the promise of a quantum advantage over classical approaches. In this work we develop a generalized quantum algorithm to simulate any dynamical process represented by either the operator sum representation or the Lindblad master equation. We then demonstrate the quantum algorithm by simulating the dynamics of the Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) complex on the IBM QASM quantum simulator. This work represents a first demonstration of a quantum algorithm for open quantum dynamics with a moderately sophisticated dynamical process involving a realistic biological structure. We discuss the complexity of the quantum algorithm relative to the classical method for the same purpose, presenting a decisive query complexity advantage of the quantum approach based on the unique property of quantum measurement.

A general quantum algorithm for open quantum dynamics demonstrated with the Fenna-Matthews-Olson complex