Engineering researchers at PolyU have made a world-first achievement by developing a quantum microprocessor chip for molecular spectroscopy simulation of actual large-structured and complex molecules. This cutting-edge technology paves the way to solving complicated quantum chemistry problems, including quantum computational applications that are beyond the capabilities of classical computers.

The research team is led by Professor Liu Aiqun, Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science and Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT) of PolyU, together with the main project driver, Dr Zhu Huihui, Postdoctoral Research Fellow of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the first author of the research paper.

The team has successfully tackled the highly challenging task of molecular spectroscope simulation using a quantum computing microprocessor. They have developed a complete system, including the hardware integration of optical–electrical–thermal packaging for the quantum photonic microprocessor chip and electrical control module, software development for device drivers, a user interface, and underlying quantum algorithms which are fully programmable, providing a fundamental building block for further applications.

Professor Liu said, “Our research is inspired by the potential real-world impact of quantum simulation technologies. In the next phase of our work, we aim to scale up the microprocessor and tackle more intricate applications that could benefit society and industry.”

Quantum technologies are crucial in scientific fields, including materials science, chemistry and condensed matter physics. The research findings open significant new avenues for numerous practical applications.

The research paper, titled “Large-scale photonic network with squeezed vacuum states for molecular vibronic spectroscopy”, is published in Nature Communications. Collaborators include researchers from Nanyang Technological University, City University of Hong Kong, Beijing Institute of Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, the Institute of Microelectronics and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden.

Establishment of Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT) under PAIR

Building on this groundbreaking research, PolyU is further strengthening its commitment to quantum technology. The establishment of the new RIQT was approved by the President’s Executive Committee as a constituent unit of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), with Professor Liu appointed as the Director of RIQT. As a leading expert in quantum technology, he previously served as a founding director of the Quantum Science and Engineering Centre (QSec) at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

RIQT aims to establish PolyU as a leading multidisciplinary research institute in quantum technology and microelectronics, a rapidly growing cutting-edge research area that integrates quantum physics, computer science, mathematics, microelectronics and photonics.