Mississippi State University (MSU) has secured a $550,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support research in quantum computing. Led by Gautam Rupak, a professor in MSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, the three-year project aims to explore the potential of quantum computing in nuclear physics and quantum information science.
Quantum computing, which combines computer science, physics, and mathematics, leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems more efficiently than classical computers. The MSU research team plans to develop and test algorithms on currently available quantum computers to study three-body nuclear forces. By understanding the interactions of atoms and nuclei at a more precise level, this research could pave the way for advancements in nuclear structure and reactions, as well as in drug and chemical research.
“We are entering a new era of computing with quantum computers,” said Rupak. “This requires a shift in how we approach computation, and our team aims to contribute to the development of quantum computing technologies.”
Collaborating with experts in nuclear physics, Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) computers, and machine learning, the research team will focus on calculating the binding energy of the triton. The triton is a positively-charged particle composed of a proton and two neutrons, similar to the nucleus of an atom of tritium. By utilizing the processing power of NISQ computers, the team hopes to gain insights into the behavior of atomic nuclei in real-time dynamics.
The research efforts are part of MSU’s commitment to interdisciplinary programs and training for students in quantum computing. As the field continues to evolve, MSU aims to equip its students with the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to the future of quantum technology.
For more information about MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences or the Department of Physics and Astronomy, please visit www.cas.msstate.edu or www.physics.msstate.edu. To learn more about MSU’s Bagley College of Engineering, visit www.bagley.msstate.edu. Stay updated on Mississippi State University’s latest initiatives by visiting www.msstate.edu.
The source of the article is from the blog kewauneecomet.com