Quantum imaginary time evolution with Zoe Holmes
Professor Zoe Holmes from EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland, discusses her work on quantum imaginary time evolution and variational techniques for near-term quantum computers. With a background from Imperial College London and Oxford, Holmes explores the limits of what can be achieved with NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) devices.
Key topics covered:
- Quantum Imaginary Time Evolution (QITE) as a cooling-inspired algorithm for finding ground states
- Comparison of QITE to Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) approaches
- Challenges in variational methods, including barren plateaus and expressivity concerns
- Trade-offs between circuit depth, fidelity, and practical implementation on current hardware
- Potential for scientific value from NISQ-era devices in physics and chemistry applications
- The interplay between classical and quantum methods in advancing our understanding of quantum systems
Creators and Guests
Composer
Omar Costa Hamido
OCH is a performer, composer, and technologist, working primarily in multimedia and improvisation. His current research is on quantum computing and music composition, telematics, and multimedia. He is passionate about emerging technology, cinema, teaching, and performing new works. He earned his PhD in Integrated Composition, Improvisation and Technology at University of California, Irvine with his research project Adventures in Quantumland (quantumland.art). He also earned his MA in Music Theory and Composition at ESMAE-IPP Portugal with his research on the relations between music and painting. In recent years, his work has been recognized with grants and awards from MSCA, Fulbright, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Medici, Beall Center for Art+Technology, and IBM.
