‘Nightmare’ calculation may be too tricky for even quantum computers - New Scientist

Some problems are too hard for even quantum computersYaroslav Kushta/Getty Images Researchers have identified a “nightmare scenario” calculation related to exotic types of quantum matter that would be impossible to solve, even for a very efficient quantum computer. Read moreQuantum computers have finally arrived, but will they ever be useful? Without the complexity of quantum states of matter, determining the phase of a material can be relatively simple. Take water, for example – it is straightforward to tell whether it is in a solid or liquid phase. The quantum version of this task, however, can be a lot more daunting. Thomas Schuster at the California Institute of Technology and his colleagues have now proven identifying quantum phases of matter can get too difficult even for quantum computers. Advertisement Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.