Title: Quantum Chemistry on Quantum Computers: What We Can, Should, and Should Not Do
Abstract: As quantum processors grow in scale and quality, the search for problems that truly benefit from them has intensified. This seminar examines how and where quantum computers can aid quantum chemistry, with an emphasis on the central task of ground‑state energy estimation. I will begin with a concise survey of the state of the art in quantum hardware, algorithms, and the marquee chemistry applications highlighted in recent literature, supplying runtime projections for the next generation of devices. I will then present results from my group that (i) provide state‑of‑the‑art classical benchmarks, (ii) introduce more efficient quantum‑algorithm variants, and (iii) lower overheads in mapping those algorithms to realistic hardware. Taken together, these elements offer a snapshot of the field today and pinpoint the computational and theoretical challenges that must be resolved before quantum computing can make an unambiguous impact on quantum chemistry.