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 - 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 do not correspond to anything. Formally getting around these probabilities is possible only by exponentially increasing the amount of computation. According to Matthias Troyer, a quantum computer can help approach this problem.
Dr. Troyer works at the intersection of computer science and theoretical physics, being 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 Ignite 2019 conference, Microsoft announced the launch of the new Azure Quantum cloud service, which will allow Azure users to access a wide range of quantum tools, including prototypes of quantum computers from Honeywell, IonQ, and QCI. In the future, this will simplify the process of adapting solutions to new quantum systems.