Scaling Up Quantum Computers for Chemistry

Quantum computers hold the promise of simulating complex molecules that are beyond the capabilities of classical computers. To understand how close they are to fulfilling this potential, researchers have now investigated the system requirements of a quantum computer that could outperform classical computers in calculating molecular properties. Their findings, reported in Physical Review A, show that a quantum computer using current algorithm techniques would need an astounding 10¹⁸ quantum gates to simulate a simple biochemical compound.