‘Minimalist’ quantum computer simulates movements of molecules

A single atom has performed the first full quantum simulations of how certain molecules react to light. Researchers simulated the behaviour of three different organic molecules when they are hit with an energetic particle called a photon. They encoded these different parameters into a single ytterbium ion trapped in a vacuum using pulsating electric fields. The minimalistic approach could dramatically speed the path towards a ‘quantum advantage’, says the team behind the feat.