Menu
A+ A A-

Quantum Computing

Research Area Faculty

 

Research Area Overview

Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to explore new computational approaches that hold promise for addressing problems that are challenging for classical systems. Through specialized hardware and quantum algorithms, it offers transformative capabilities in addressing challenges across a wide spectrum of fields. The CaSToRC, via the EU-funded QUEST ERA Chair project, is spearheading efforts to establish a specialized research group in quantum computing, furthering Cyprus' role in European-level initiatives like the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking and the Quantum Technologies Flagship.

The QUEST project centers on hybrid quantum-classical methods, focusing on practical use of current quantum processors to solve specific problem elements that are beyond classical computational reach. The focus is particularly on Variational Quantum Algorithms (VQAs), which optimize quantum circuit parameters in tandem with classical optimization routines to maximize computational efficiency. Key research objectives include:

  • Advancing quantum algorithms, with emphasis on VQAs and quantum machine learning.
  • Applying quantum computing to models in high energy and condensed matter physics.
  • Benchmarking emerging quantum hardware to assess practical performance metrics.
  • Addressing optimization challenges relevant to sectors such as energy networks and transportation.
  • Providing access to state-of-the-art quantum computing infrastructure and delivering targeted training for academia and industry.
  • Integrating quantum computing with interactive systems and arts-based

Scientific dissemination of quantum technologies and quantum algorithms.

 

Research Highlights

Research Highlight 1

Title: Quantum computing inspired paintings: reinterpreting classical masterpieces

Related people: Arianna Crippa, Yahui Cahi, Omar Costa Hamido, Paulo Itaborai, Karl Jansen

Graphical Abstract

graphical abstract 1

Figure 1: The painting “Quantum Transformation I: Caravaggio” (oil on wooden panel): This photograph of the oil painting illustrates how the reflection (lower part) of the original painting has been modified by translating the results from quantum computation on a real painting with oil on a wooden canvas. Panel size: 70 × 84 cm.

 

Picture8

Figure 2: The painting ``Quantum Transformation II: Magritte'' (digital image): The entire picture is modified by the quantum time evolution. The only element that remains untouched is the green apple.

 

Picture9

Figure 3: The revisited version (oil on wooden panel): of the 192 colors by Gerhard Richter. This photograph of the oil painting illustrates the colors changed by translating the results from quantum computation. Panel size: 75\times 100 cm.

 

Overview
Within the QUEST project, a quantum computing technique is applied to compose artworks. The main idea is to revisit three paintings of different styles and historical periods: ``Narciso'', painted circa 1597–1599 by Michelangelo Merisi (Caravaggio), ``Les fils de l'homme'', painted in 1964 by René Magritte and ``192 Farben’', painted in 1966 by Gerard Richter. The output of a quantum computation is to change the composition in the paintings, leading to a paintings series titled ``Quantum Transformation I, II and III''. In particular, the figures are discretized into square lattices and the order of the pieces is changed according to the result of the quantum simulation, which has been performed on IBM Quantum Computer hardware. From a classical subject to abstract forms, this work seeks to combine classical and quantum aesthetics through these three art pieces. In addition to experimenting with hardware runs and circuit noise, the project aims to reproduce these works as physical oil paintings on wooden panels. With this process, a full circle is completed between classical and quantum techniques and contributing to rethink Art practice in the era of quantum computing technologies.
 
Scientific Achievement
The classical masterpieces were transformed using quantum computation, resulting to a new form of art. Novel Methods used to achieve this goal were developed which can also be employed in other projects using quantum computing.
  
Significance and Impact
The classical masterpieces were transformed using quantum computation, resulting to a new form of art. Novel Methods used to achieve this goal were developed which can also be employed in other projects using quantum computing.
 
Research Details
A physical system, the Ising model, has been used and simulated time evolution through trotterization. Quantum computing hardware was utilized to generate digital images from the hardware runs. The digital images were used as a model to realize them with a real painting with oils on a wooden canvas. Besides the painting in Fig.1, two more paintings were realized, see below. 
 
References
A. Crippa, Y. Chai, O. C. Hamido, P. Itaborai, and K. Jansen, ‘Quantum computing inspired paintings: reinterpreting classical masterpieces’, 2024, arXiv. doi: 10.48550/ARXIV.2411.09549.

 

Research Highlight 2

Title: Confinement and String Breaking in (2+1)-dimensional Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)

Related people: Arianna Crippa, Karl Jansen, Enrico Rinaldi

Graphical Abstract

Picture10

Figure 1: The static potential V(r) as a function of the distance r between two static charges, illustrating the Coulomb (logarithmic part), the Confinement (linear part) and the String Breaking (constant part) regimes.

 

Picture11

Figure 2: Lattice structure for (2+1)-dimensional QED, demonstrating the interaction of fermions and gauge fields over the lattice

 

Picture12

Figure 3: A variational circuit used in the model to explore confinement behaviors.

 

 

 

Overview
In a collaboration between DESY, Quantinuum and the CyI via the QUEST project different regimes of the potential between static charges were studied in (2+1)-dimensional Quantum Electrodynamics (QED). The work illustrates the flux configurations characteristic for the various regimes. Flux configurations were obtained using real hardware runs on the Quantinuum H1 quantum computer, achieving results that closely matched theoretical predictions, with up to 15 qubits successfully utilized.  The similarity between (2+1)-dimensional QED and Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD)—the theory describing the strong interaction between quarks and gluons—offers insights into analogous phenomena in QCD.
 
Scientific Achievement
A trapped-ion quantum computer successfully implemented a quantum algorithm to measure the static potential between two charges, exploring the Coulomb, confinement, and string breaking regimes. The electric field flux configurations were measured, giving insights into the mechanisms of confinement and string breakings.
 
Significance and Impact
Beyond its intrinsic value, this model has profound implications for analogous effects in condensed matter physics and high-energy physics, including quantum chromodynamics (QCD). On the technological side, the demonstration that up to 16 qubits could be used on the ion trapped H1 quantum computer at Quantinuum, opens exciting possibilities for studying larger systems, enabling deeper understanding of critical models where classical Monte Carlo methods encounter significant challenges.
 
Research Details
A physics-inspired quantum circuit was developed, incorporating the system’s physical symmetries, such as charge conservation. This circuit was executed on a real quantum computer within a hybrid quantum/classical variational algorithm. The probabilities of quantum states and the emerging flux configurations have been computed, gaining insight in the physics of the different regimes of the static potential. Special error mitigation techniques and mid-circuit measurements were employed to achieve highly accurate results. These methods directly correlated microscopic lattice dynamics with macroscopic potential behaviors in QED. Examples of the lattice set up and circuit structures are given below.
 
References
A. Crippa, K. Jansen, and E. Rinaldi, ‘Analysis of the confinement string in (2 + 1)-dimensional Quantum Electrodynamics with a trapped-ion quantum computer’, 2024, arXiv. doi: 10.48550/ARXIV.2411.05628.

 


Selected Publications

  • Chai, E. Epifanovsky, K. Jansen, A. Kaushik, and S. Kühn, ‘Simulating the flight gate assignment problem on a trapped ion quantum computer’, Sep. 18, 2023, arXiv: arXiv:2309.09686. Accessed: Nov. 02, 2024. [Online]. Available: http://arxiv.org/abs/2309.09686
  • D. Meglio et al., ‘Quantum Computing for High-Energy Physics: State of the Art and Challenges. Summary of the QC4HEP Working Group’, PRX Quantum, vol. 5, no. 3, p. 037001, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.1103/PRXQuantum.5.037001.

 

 

iso 45001      Cyprus GPP logo      SIR     diversity charter cyprus     SDSN Cyprus Logo     hrs4r     gender equality     CyI Women in STEM

Helpful Links

Publications & Media

Contact