GE Vernova’s Advanced Research Center is partnering with Quantinuum to apply the power of quantum computing to a critical energy challenge: understanding high-temperature superconductivity. The collaboration will use Quantinuum’s Helios computer and focus on Fermi-Hubbard modeling, a framework for studying complex electron behavior. Advances in this area could ultimately lead to lighter generators, more compact motors and electricity infrastructure capable of carrying more power.
Fermi-Hubbard Modeling for High-Temperature Superconductivity Research
Measuring superconducting pairing correlations, including s-wave and d-wave pairing, in Fermi-Hubbard models simulated on the Helios quantum computer, Quantinuum researchers have demonstrated the ability to prepare and probe quantum states relevant to superconductivity research. This work establishes a foundation for further investigation into the complex behavior of electrons in these materials, a key step toward realizing practical applications. The simulations used Quantinuum’s full-stack quantum computing capabilities, providing a platform for exploring quantum phenomena difficult to replicate with classical methods, the company says.
This initial success highlights the potential of quantum computing to address long-standing challenges in materials science. GE Vernova’s Advanced Research Center contributes expertise in material science and engineering simulation, bringing an industry perspective to the collaboration with Quantinuum.
Jonathan Owens, PhD, Senior Scientist, Computational Materials Physics at GE Vernova, explained that “High-temperature superconductors could help us overcome important limits on the size, weight, and efficiency of electrical equipment, but understanding and improving these materials remains a significant scientific challenge.” The partnership aims to bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrial application, focusing on the practical implications of improved superconducting materials. This focus is critical, as realizing the benefits of high-temperature superconductors requires overcoming hurdles in cooling, material performance, manufacturing and cost.
While not a complete description of materials used in industrial applications, the Fermi-Hubbard model provides a foundation for understanding the underlying physics. “By combining our materials simulation and industrial expertise with Quantinuum’s quantum computing capabilities, we can explore new approaches to these difficult problems while building the expertise to assess where quantum computing can make a meaningful contribution,” Owens added. The team intends to explore the potential of quantum computing to accurately model strongly interacting electrons, a task exceptionally difficult for classical computers, and ultimately contribute to the development of more efficient electrical equipment.
Quantinuum’s Helios and Nexus Enable Quantum Material Simulations
The partnership uses Quantinuum’s Nexus platform, which provides cloud-based access to both Helios, described as the world’s most accurate quantum computer, and the software tools necessary for application development. This unified environment allows researchers to efficiently design, execute, and analyze quantum simulations. GE Vernova’s previous work includes investigations of quantum algorithms for carbon-capture materials using simulated quantum processors, signaling an existing commitment to exploring quantum solutions for materials science challenges.
The current effort builds on that foundation, expanding the scope to high-temperature superconductivity and supporting internal quantum expertise within the organization. Translating insights from the simplified Fermi-Hubbard model into practical materials demands sustained scientific and engineering effort, and industrial expertise is critical for aligning research with manufacturing constraints and operating conditions. For Quantinuum, this collaboration offers an opportunity to advance quantum simulation with an industrial partner capable of assessing both the potential benefits and the obstacles to widespread adoption.
High-temperature superconductors could help us overcome important limits on the size, weight, and efficiency of electrical equipment, but understanding and improving these materials remains a significant scientific challenge.
Jonathan Owens, PhD, Senior Scientist, Computational Materials Physics at GE Vernova
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