Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

ACS Omega

Exact Non-Markovian Quantum Dynamics on the NISQ Device Using Kraus Operators

Avin Seneviratne, Peter Walters, Fei Wang

Published Feb 15, 2024• 12 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The theory of open quantum systems has many applications ranging from simulating quantum dynamics in condensed phases to better understanding quantum-enabled technologies. At the center of theoretical chemistry are the developments of methodologies and computational tools for simulating charge and excitation energy transfer in solutions, biomolecules, and molecular aggregates. As a variety of these processes display non-Markovian behavior, classical computer simulation can be challenging due to exponential scaling with existing methods. With quantum computers holding the promise of efficient quantum simulations, in this paper, we present a new quantum algorithm based on Kraus operators that capture the exact non-Markovian effect at a finite temperature. The implementation of the Kraus operators on the quantum machine uses a combination of singular value decomposition (SVD) and optimal Walsh operators that result in shallow circuits. We demonstrate the feasibility of the algorithm by simulating the spin-boson dynamics and the exciton transfer in the Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) complex. The NISQ results show very good agreement with the exact ones.

DOI
10.1021/acsomega.3c09720

Related papers

Divide-and-Conquer Simulation of Open Quantum Systems

Thiago Melo D. Azevedo, Almeida, Caio, Pedro Linck Maciel +2 more

One of the promises of quantum computing is to simulate physical systems efficiently. However, the simulation of open quantum systems - where interactions with the environment play a crucial role - remains challenging for quantum computing, as it is impossible to implement deterministically non-unitary operators on a quantum computer without auxiliary qubits. The Stinespring dilation can simulate an open dynamic but requires a high circuit depth, which is impractical for NISQ devices. An alternative approach is parallel probabilistic block-encoding methods, such as the Sz.-Nagy and Singular Value Decomposition dilations. These methods result in shallower circuits but are hybrid methods, and we do not simulate the quantum dynamic on the quantum computer. In this work, we describe a divide-and-conquer strategy for preparing mixed states to combine the output of each Kraus operator dilation and obtain the complete dynamic on quantum hardware with a lower circuit depth. The work also introduces a balanced strategy that groups the original Kraus operators into an expanded operator, leading to a trade-off between circuit depth, CNOT count, and number of qubits. We perform a computational analysis to demonstrate the advantages of the new method and present a proof-of-concept simulation of the Fenna-Matthews-Olson dynamic on current quantum hardware.

arXiv:2505.01623•May 2, 2025•0 citations

Simulating Non-Markovian Quantum Dynamics on NISQ Computers Using the Hierarchical Equations of Motion

Xiaohan Dan, Eitan Geva, Víctor S. Batista

Quantum computing offers promising new avenues for tackling the long-standing challenge of simulating the quantum dynamics of complex chemical systems, particularly open quantum systems coupled to external baths. However, simulating such nonunitary dynamics on quantum computers is challenging since quantum circuits are specifically designed to carry out unitary transformations. Furthermore, chemical systems are often strongly coupled to the surrounding environment, rendering the dynamics non-Markovian and beyond the scope of Markovian quantum master equations like Lindblad or Redfield. In this work, we introduce a quantum algorithm designed to simulate non-Markovian dynamics of open quantum systems. Our approach enables the implementation of arbitrary quantum master equations on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computers. We illustrate the method as applied in conjunction with the numerically exact hierarchical equations of motion (HEOM) method. The effectiveness of the resulting quantum HEOM algorithm is demonstrated as applied to simulations of the non-Lindbladian electronic energy and charge transfer dynamics in models of the carotenoid-porphyrin-C 60 molecular triad dissolved in tetrahydrofuran and the Fenna–Matthews–Olson complex.

arXiv:2411.12049•Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation•Feb 14, 2025•22 citations

Variational Quantum Simulation of Open Quantum Dynamics via Non-Markovian Stochastic Schrödinger Equation with Complex Frequency Modes

Yukai Guo, Xing Bao Gao

Simulating non-Markovian open quantum dynamics is crucial for understanding complex quantum systems, yet it poses significant challenges for standard quantum hardware. These challenges stem from the non-Hermitian nature of such dynamics, which results in nonunitary evolution, as well as constraints imposed by limited quantum resources. To address this, we propose a hybrid quantum-classical algorithm designed for simulating dissipative dynamics in systems coupled to non-Markovian environments. Our approach includes formulating a non-Markovian Stochastic Schrödinger equation with complex frequency modes (cNMSSE) where the non-Markovianity is characterized by the mode excitation. We then employ variational quantum simulation to capture the nonunitary evolution within the cNMSSE framework, leading to a substantial reduction in qubit requirements. To demonstrate our approach, we investigated dissiaptive dynamics in the spin-boson model (SBM) and excitation energy transfer processes in both a prototype dimer system and the biologically relevant Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) complex.

Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation•Sep 8, 2025•1 citation

Singular Value Decomposition Quantum Algorithm for Quantum Biology

E. Oh, Timothy J. Krogmeier, Anthony W. Schlimgen +1 more

There has been a recent interest in quantum algorithms for the modeling and prediction of nonunitary quantum dynamics using current quantum computers. The field of quantum biology is one area where these algorithms could prove to be useful as biological systems are generally intractable to treat in their complete form but amenable to an open quantum systems approach. Here, we present the application of a recently developed singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm to two systems in quantum biology: excitonic energy transport through the Fenna-Matthews-Olson complex and the radical pair mechanism for avian navigation. We demonstrate that the SVD algorithm is capable of capturing accurate short- and long-time dynamics for these systems through implementation on a quantum simulator and conclude that while the implementation of this algorithm is beyond the reach of current quantum computers, it has the potential to be an effective tool for the future study of systems relevant to quantum biology.

arXiv:2309.17391•ACS Physical Chemistry Au•May 17, 2024•9 citations

An enhanced algorithm for simulating non-unitary dynamics on quantum computers

Mader, Simon

This thesis introduces an algorithm for efficiently simulating the non-unitary dynamics of open quantum systems on quantum computers. Open quantum systems interact with their surrounding environment, resulting in non-unitary dynamics. This creates a fundamental challenge for quantum simulation, since quantum hardware is inherently restricted to unitary operations. Building on the Kraus operator sum representation, this work explores dilation techniques that embed non-unitary maps into larger unitary operations, suitable for implementation on quantum processors. In addition to reproducing recent results from the literature, an enhanced algorithm that reuses the quantum state from the previous time step is presented. This reuse strategy increases efficiency, permits repeated application of the same quantum circuit, and shifts the dominant computational workload toward the quantum processor. The method is implemented and tested on models of the Fenna–Matthews–Olson light-harvesting complex and compares the obtained results against existing approaches. Importantly, the algorithm is broadly applicable to a wide class of open quantum systems. The proposed scheme provides a practical pathway for studying transport, dynamics, and spectral properties of interacting quantum systems on a quantum simulator, while keeping the demands on classical resources modest. The thesis concludes with a discussion of implementation details, numerical results, and prospects for scaling the method to larger systems.

•Jan 1, 2025•0 citations

Variational quantum algorithm for non-Markovian quantum dynamics

Peter Walters, Mohammad U. Sherazi, Fei Wang

The simulation of non-Markovian quantum dynamics plays an important role in the understanding of charge and exciton dynamics in the condensed phase environment, and yet it remains computationally expensive on classical computers. We have developed a variational quantum algorithm that is capable of simulating non-Markovian quantum dynamics. The algorithm captures the non-Markovian effect by employing the Ehrenfect trajectories in the path integral formulation and the Monte Carlo sampling of the thermal distribution. We tested the algorithm with the spin-boson model on the quantum simulator and the results match well with the exact ones. The algorithm naturally fits into the parallel computing platform of the NISQ devices and is well suited for anharmonic system-bath interactions and multi-state systems.

arXiv:2412.00407•Nov 30, 2024•0 citations
The theory of open quantum systems has many applications ranging from simulating quantum dynamics in condensed phases to better understanding quantum-enabled technologies. At the center of theoretical chemistry are the developments of methodologies and computational tools for simulating charge and excitation energy transfer in solutions, biomolecules, and molecular aggregates. As a variety of these processes display non-Markovian behavior, classical computer simulation can be challenging due to exponential scaling with existing methods. With quantum computers holding the promise of efficient quantum simulations, in this paper, we present a new quantum algorithm based on Kraus operators that capture the exact non-Markovian effect at a finite temperature. The implementation of the Kraus operators on the quantum machine uses a combination of singular value decomposition (SVD) and optimal Walsh operators that result in shallow circuits. We demonstrate the feasibility of the algorithm by simulating the spin-boson dynamics and the exciton transfer in the Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) complex. The NISQ results show very good agreement with the exact ones.
One of the promises of quantum computing is to simulate physical systems efficiently. However, the simulation of open quantum systems - where interactions with the environment play a crucial role - remains challenging for quantum computing, as it is impossible to implement deterministically non-unitary operators on a quantum computer without auxiliary qubits. The Stinespring dilation can simulate an open dynamic but requires a high circuit depth, which is impractical for NISQ devices. An alternative approach is parallel probabilistic block-encoding methods, such as the Sz.-Nagy and Singular Value Decomposition dilations. These methods result in shallower circuits but are hybrid methods, and we do not simulate the quantum dynamic on the quantum computer. In this work, we describe a divide-and-conquer strategy for preparing mixed states to combine the output of each Kraus operator dilation and obtain the complete dynamic on quantum hardware with a lower circuit depth. The work also introduces a balanced strategy that groups the original Kraus operators into an expanded operator, leading to a trade-off between circuit depth, CNOT count, and number of qubits. We perform a computational analysis to demonstrate the advantages of the new method and present a proof-of-concept simulation of the Fenna-Matthews-Olson dynamic on current quantum hardware.
Quantum computing offers promising new avenues for tackling the long-standing challenge of simulating the quantum dynamics of complex chemical systems, particularly open quantum systems coupled to external baths. However, simulating such nonunitary dynamics on quantum computers is challenging since quantum circuits are specifically designed to carry out unitary transformations. Furthermore, chemical systems are often strongly coupled to the surrounding environment, rendering the dynamics non-Markovian and beyond the scope of Markovian quantum master equations like Lindblad or Redfield. In this work, we introduce a quantum algorithm designed to simulate non-Markovian dynamics of open quantum systems. Our approach enables the implementation of arbitrary quantum master equations on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computers. We illustrate the method as applied in conjunction with the numerically exact hierarchical equations of motion (HEOM) method. The effectiveness of the resulting quantum HEOM algorithm is demonstrated as applied to simulations of the non-Lindbladian electronic energy and charge transfer dynamics in models of the carotenoid-porphyrin-C 60 molecular triad dissolved in tetrahydrofuran and the Fenna–Matthews–Olson complex.
Simulating non-Markovian open quantum dynamics is crucial for understanding complex quantum systems, yet it poses significant challenges for standard quantum hardware. These challenges stem from the non-Hermitian nature of such dynamics, which results in nonunitary evolution, as well as constraints imposed by limited quantum resources. To address this, we propose a hybrid quantum-classical algorithm designed for simulating dissipative dynamics in systems coupled to non-Markovian environments. Our approach includes formulating a non-Markovian Stochastic Schrödinger equation with complex frequency modes (cNMSSE) where the non-Markovianity is characterized by the mode excitation. We then employ variational quantum simulation to capture the nonunitary evolution within the cNMSSE framework, leading to a substantial reduction in qubit requirements. To demonstrate our approach, we investigated dissiaptive dynamics in the spin-boson model (SBM) and excitation energy transfer processes in both a prototype dimer system and the biologically relevant Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) complex.
There has been a recent interest in quantum algorithms for the modeling and prediction of nonunitary quantum dynamics using current quantum computers. The field of quantum biology is one area where these algorithms could prove to be useful as biological systems are generally intractable to treat in their complete form but amenable to an open quantum systems approach. Here, we present the application of a recently developed singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm to two systems in quantum biology: excitonic energy transport through the Fenna-Matthews-Olson complex and the radical pair mechanism for avian navigation. We demonstrate that the SVD algorithm is capable of capturing accurate short- and long-time dynamics for these systems through implementation on a quantum simulator and conclude that while the implementation of this algorithm is beyond the reach of current quantum computers, it has the potential to be an effective tool for the future study of systems relevant to quantum biology.
This thesis introduces an algorithm for efficiently simulating the non-unitary dynamics of open quantum systems on quantum computers. Open quantum systems interact with their surrounding environment, resulting in non-unitary dynamics. This creates a fundamental challenge for quantum simulation, since quantum hardware is inherently restricted to unitary operations. Building on the Kraus operator sum representation, this work explores dilation techniques that embed non-unitary maps into larger unitary operations, suitable for implementation on quantum processors. In addition to reproducing recent results from the literature, an enhanced algorithm that reuses the quantum state from the previous time step is presented. This reuse strategy increases efficiency, permits repeated application of the same quantum circuit, and shifts the dominant computational workload toward the quantum processor. The method is implemented and tested on models of the Fenna–Matthews–Olson light-harvesting complex and compares the obtained results against existing approaches. Importantly, the algorithm is broadly applicable to a wide class of open quantum systems. The proposed scheme provides a practical pathway for studying transport, dynamics, and spectral properties of interacting quantum systems on a quantum simulator, while keeping the demands on classical resources modest. The thesis concludes with a discussion of implementation details, numerical results, and prospects for scaling the method to larger systems.
The simulation of non-Markovian quantum dynamics plays an important role in the understanding of charge and exciton dynamics in the condensed phase environment, and yet it remains computationally expensive on classical computers. We have developed a variational quantum algorithm that is capable of simulating non-Markovian quantum dynamics. The algorithm captures the non-Markovian effect by employing the Ehrenfect trajectories in the path integral formulation and the Monte Carlo sampling of the thermal distribution. We tested the algorithm with the spin-boson model on the quantum simulator and the results match well with the exact ones. The algorithm naturally fits into the parallel computing platform of the NISQ devices and is well suited for anharmonic system-bath interactions and multi-state systems.