Adiabatic Quantum Chemistry Simulations with Superconducting Qubits

Quantum technology is improving fast and quantum devices with more than 50 qubits appear feasible soon. The quest for systems which profit of exponential speed-up and cannot be calculated on classical computers has recently triggered a lot of attention. Quantum chemistry is among the best candidates for exploiting such exponential speed-up. Quantum chemistry Hamiltonians can be directly mapped on quantum devices based on superconducting qubits. However, the controlled realization of different types of interactions between qubits without compromising their coherence is essential. A coupling method between fixed-frequency transmon qubits can be achieved with the frequency modulation of an auxiliary capacitively coupled quantum bus. An adiabatic protocol for the hydrogen molecule can be implemented on such a coupled qubit system. We show that the electronic ground state of the molecule can be reached within the typical coherence time of a superconducting qubit. Hence, the quantum system of the hydrogen molecule can directly be mapped to the quantum system of a qubit device.