Scientists Make First-Known Quantum Computations of Fusion Material

Quantum computing wielded to create extremely rare material critical to nuclear fusion

Using a quantum computer alongside a supercomputer, scientists have developed a breakthrough pathway for modeling the physics inside a fusion reactor. The world-first experiment could help clear a path to developing clean, abundant nuclear power and solving the global energy crisis, the researchers said. Using hybrid quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) methods, scientists with IBM and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have blue…

Scientists make first-known quantum computations of fusion material

Scientists from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Cleveland Clinic and IBM have used quantum computers to calculate molecular configurations of a key fusion fuel material, marking what the team says is the first known demonstration of its kind. The work focuses on FLiBe, a molten salt made of fluorine, lithium, and beryllium that is considered one of the leading materials for producing and extracting tritium inside future fusion reactors. Tr…

IBM and Partners Make Breakthrough in Tritium Extraction for Fusion Energy

A groundbreaking collaboration involving scientists from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Cleveland Clinic, and IBM has achieved a significant milestone in the quest for fusion energy. This team has completed the first known computations of fusion materials using quantum computers, specifically focusing on optimizing tritium extraction, a crucial step toward achieving efficient and abundant energy from fusion power. Quantum computing is inc…

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ORNL, Cleveland Clinic, and IBM Run First-Known Quantum Computations of Fusion Fuel Material

Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Cleveland Clinic, and IBM have used quantum computers to calculate nine molecular configurations of FLiBe, a molten salt material widely considered a leading candidate for tritium breeding in future fusion reactors. The work, published on arXiv, marks the first time these specific molecular calculations have been performed using quantum computing. The research tackles one of fusion energy’s …