Researchers from the University of Sydney have harnessed the capabilities of a quantum computer to significantly slow down and directly scrutinize a crucial chemical reaction. This has exposed previously undetectable details, given the swift timeframes under which such reactions usually occur, thus opening new avenues in fields like materials science and pharmacology.
What transpires in nature within femtoseconds can now be measured in milliseconds within a laboratory environment.
The scientific team from the University of Sydney has realized an unprecedented achievement by slowing down a key chemical reaction by 100 billion times using a quantum computer, thereby facilitating its direct observation.
Vanessa Olaya Agudelo, a joint principal investigator and doctoral candidate, stated, “Acquiring an understanding of these fundamental molecular processes could unleash a myriad of opportunities in sectors such as materials science, pharmaceutical development, and solar energy capture. It could further aid in refining other molecular interactions involving light, like the formation of smog or ozone layer degradation.”
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Observation of the Conical Intersection Phenomenon
The researchers observed the interference pattern created by a single atom, which was a result of a ubiquitous geometric feature in chemistry referred to as a “conical intersection.” Conical intersections are vital to swift photochemical processes like human vision or photosynthesis.
Efforts to directly observe these geometric processes date back to the 1950s. However, the rapid time scales involved made direct observations unattainable.
In an innovative approach, quantum scientists from the School of Physics and the School of Chemistry set up an experiment with a trapped-ion quantum computer. This methodology allowed them to map this complex issue onto a comparatively modest quantum apparatus and then decelerate the process by a factor of 100 billion.
The results of their research were published on August 28 in the scientific journal Nature Chemistry.
The Role of Quantum Technology
Dr. Christophe Valahu, joint principal investigator from the School of Physics, remarked, “Until this point, direct observation of ‘geometric phase’ dynamics was elusive due to their extremely rapid occurrence. Quantum technologies provided us the means to address this challenge.”
According to Dr. Valahu, the experiment is analogous to simulating airflow patterns around an airplane wing in a wind tunnel. He stated, “Our experiment wasn’t merely a digital approximation; it was a direct analog observation of the unfolding quantum dynamics at an observable speed.”
In phenomena like photosynthesis, molecules exchange energy at phenomenal speeds, leading to zones known as conical intersections. This study, via the quantum computer, has revealed never-before-seen markers associated with these intersections in photochemistry.
Future Potential and Collaborations
Associate Professor Ivan Kassal, co-author and head of the research team, opined, “This significant discovery will deepen our comprehension of ultrafast molecular dynamics.”
The quantum computer utilized for the experiments is part of the Quantum Control Laboratory headed by Professor Michael Biercuk, founder of quantum startup, Q-CTRL. The experimental component was spearheaded by Dr. Ting Rei Tan.
Dr. Tan concluded, “This is an excellent example of interdisciplinary collaboration between quantum physicists and chemistry theorists, employing a novel approach in physics to solve a longstanding chemistry problem.”
The research received funding from various organizations, including the US Office of Naval Research, the US Army Research Office Laboratory for Physical Sciences, and Lockheed Martin, among others.
Reference: The research was published on August 28, 2023, in the journal Nature Chemistry with the DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01300-3. It was supported by multiple grants and computational resources from the Australian Government’s National Computational Infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about quantum chemical reaction slowdown
What was the main achievement of the research conducted by the University of Sydney?
The main achievement of the research conducted by the University of Sydney was the utilization of a quantum computer to drastically slow down a critical chemical reaction process, allowing for its direct observation. This breakthrough enabled the researchers to uncover intricate details that were previously hidden due to the rapid timescales of such reactions.
How did the researchers slow down the chemical reaction process?
The researchers from the University of Sydney employed a trapped-ion quantum computer in a novel manner. This quantum computer was used to design and map the complex problem of the chemical reaction onto a relatively small quantum device. This approach allowed the researchers to slow down the process by an astounding factor of 100 billion times, enabling them to observe and analyze the reaction more comprehensively.
What are conical intersections, and why are they important in chemistry?
Conical intersections are geometric structures in chemistry that play a crucial role in rapid photochemical processes. These intersections are essential for processes such as light harvesting in human vision and photosynthesis. They have been studied since the 1950s, but their extremely fast timescales have made direct observation challenging. The research conducted by the University of Sydney has provided a way to observe and analyze these geometric processes.
How does quantum technology contribute to this research?
Quantum technology played a pivotal role in this research by enabling the researchers to directly observe the dynamics of “geometric phase” in chemical reactions. Quantum technologies provided the means to slow down the process and capture the unfolding quantum dynamics at an observable speed, which was previously unattainable. This breakthrough showcases the power of quantum computing in advancing scientific understanding.
What are the potential applications of this research?
The research has significant implications for various fields, including materials science, drug design, and solar energy harvesting. Understanding fundamental molecular processes can lead to innovative possibilities in these areas. Additionally, the insights gained from this research could help improve processes that involve molecules interacting with light, such as the formation of smog or the degradation of the ozone layer.
How did the researchers collaborate across disciplines for this research?
The research was a result of collaboration between chemistry theorists and experimental quantum physicists. This interdisciplinary approach allowed for the development of a new methodology to address a longstanding problem in chemistry. The University of Sydney’s access to advanced quantum computing facilities and expertise in various fields facilitated this groundbreaking collaboration.
When was this research published and where?
The research findings were published on August 28, 2023, in the scientific journal Nature Chemistry. The publication details the methodology, results, and implications of the research conducted by the University of Sydney’s scientific team.
What organizations supported this research financially?
The research received support from several organizations, including the US Office of Naval Research, the US Army Research Office Laboratory for Physical Sciences, Lockheed Martin, and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group, among others. These organizations provided the necessary funding to carry out the experiments and analyses that led to this scientific breakthrough.
More about quantum chemical reaction slowdown
- University of Sydney
- Nature Chemistry
- Q-CTRL
- US Office of Naval Research
- US Army Research Office Laboratory for Physical Sciences
- Lockheed Martin
- Australian Defence Science and Technology Group
- National Computational Infrastructure
2 comments
quantum tech + chem reactions = major breakthrough! ths is gr8 news 4 science, materials, even environment. big ups, sydney uni!
slowin’ down chem rxns? i’m all in! think ’bout eco-friendly materials, solar energy – ths cud be amazin’. hats off to u sydney!