Finding quantum advantage requires focused circuits

Su-un Lee’s fascination with the logic of planetary motion led him to the quantum realm as an undergraduate at Seoul National University in Korea. After arriving at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering in 2022, Lee began research identifying a critical requirement for realizing the potential of quantum computers. He reports that scientists need highly structured quantum circuits to achieve quantum advantage, suggesting current approaches may be too broad in their design. Lee explained his choice of UChicago PME, stating, “I was particularly interested in his group’s broad range of research across quantum information science, from fundamental theory to practical applications.” Structured Quantum Circuits Define Near-Term Advantage Lee’s research demonstrates that highly structured quantum circuits are essential for achieving quantum advantage, a finding that challenges assumptions about the potential of near-term quantum devices. He developed both classical and quantum algorithms to rigorously study the boundaries of these circuits, revealing limitations that previously hindered progress. This work moves beyond simply building quantum computers and focuses on how those computers are programmed to solve problems.

Professor Liang Jiang also provided significant support, offering Lee the freedom to pursue independent research directions and skillfully connecting researchers with complementary expertise. He’s curious about a wide range of topics and has a great sense of which people and perspectives to bring together for a discussion.” The insights gained from this research were further refined through internships at IBM’s facility in Yorktown Heights, New York. During the summer of 2025 and again in 2026, Lee collaborated with experimental researchers to identify bottlenecks in current quantum devices as part of a large-scale project. He noted that being part of such a large collaboration for such an ambitious goal was a new experience for him, emphasizing the value of translating theoretical findings into practical applications. Lee believes that despite the challenges, quantum computers are approaching a point where they can deliver tangible benefits. “The capabilities of quantum hardware have advanced significantly, and we’re getting closer to demonstrating quantum advantage on practically meaningful problems.” I was particularly interested in his group’s broad range of research across quantum information science, from fundamental theory to practical applications, so UChicago PME was my first choice. Su-un Lee, PhD student Source: https://pme.uchicago.edu/news-events/news/finding-quantum-advantage-chicago More like thisQuantum Research NewsIBM & Chicago Verify Quantum Advantage With New Error CorrectionQuantum ApplicationsQuantum Computing & Monte Carlo in Physics & ChemistryQuantum ComputingFive of Six Q4Bio Finalists Used IBM Quantum HardwareQuantum EducationWhere can I learn Quantum Computing?Stay currentSee today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals. Tags: Rusty Flint Rusty is a quantum science nerd. He's been into academic science all his life, but spent his formative years doing less academic things. Now he turns his attention to write about his passion, the quantum realm. He loves all things Quantum Physics especially. Rusty likes the more esoteric side of Quantum Computing and the Quantum world. Everything from Quantum Entanglement to Quantum Physics. Rusty thinks that we are in the 1950s quantum equivalent of the classical computing world. While other quantum journalists focus on IBM's latest chip or which startup just raised $50 million, Rusty's over here writing 3,000-word deep dives on whether quantum entanglement might explain why you sometimes think about someone right before they text you. (Spoiler: it doesn't, but the exploration is fascinating) Latest Posts by Rusty Flint: GCISO urges New Zealand agencies to invest in post-quantum computing by 2030 September 4, 2026 QuFi’s 3 Predictions for Post-Quantum Digital Finance September 4, 2026 Applications for Quantum Cyber’s antenna program due September 4, 2026