Jul 2, 2026
ISTA Lecture | Ignacio Cirac
Simulating the quantum world with quantum computers
Date: July 2, 2026 |
5:00 pm –
6:00 pm
Speaker:
Igancio Cirac, Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics
Location: Raiffeisen Lecture Hall
Language:
English
Advancements in quantum computing have enabled the development of small-scale quantum computers that operate according to the principles of quantum physics. One of the most important prospective applications of these devices is the simulation of complex quantum systems, which arise across many areas of physics and chemistry. Such simulations are notoriously difficult, if not impossible, for classical computers, even the most powerful supercomputers, due to the exponential growth of required computational resources with the number of particles in the system.
In this talk, I will first show how both analog and digital quantum devices could circumvent this limitation. Despite rapid progress, however, applications in this area remain limited, as current quantum devices are imperfect: errors accumulate and pose serious challenges for solving practically relevant problems. I will discuss how, even in the presence of such errors, near-term quantum computers can already become powerful tools for scientific discovery.
Climate-friendly arrival & departure
An extra shuttle bus will be available from Heiligenstadt at 14:57 – 15:57
The regular shuttle bus will return to Heiligenstadt at 18:28 – 18:58 – 19:28 – 20:28
The shuttle bus is free of charge for all registered guests.
