Dr. Matthias Troyer, a quantum computing researcher at Microsoft, received one of the most prestigious awards in theoretical physics in Germany, the Hamburg Prize, for his significant contribution to the development of the quantum Monte Carlo method.
Monte Carlo methods are a group of numerical methods for studying random processes. Quantum Monte Carlo methods are used to study complex quantum systems. They predict the behavior of the smallest particles in quantum mechanical systems.
The key problem of the Monte Carlo method is the so-called "sign problem". Its essence lies in the fact that when describing complex quantum systems, negative or complex probabilities appear. They can be described in theory, but in reality they correspond to nothing. Formally, these probabilities can be bypassed only by exponentially increasing the amount of calculations. According to Matthias Troyer, a quantum computer can help get closer to solving this problem.
Dr. Troyer works at the intersection of computer science and theoretical physics and is one of the few leading international researchers in this field. His work plays a key role in the research and development of quantum computers and superconducting materials.
Earlier in the conference Microsoft announced the launch of a new cloud service , which gives Azure users access to a wide range of quantum tools, including prototype quantum computers from Honeywell, IonQ, and QCI. In the future, this will simplify the process of adapting solutions to new quantum systems.
Source: habr.com