aiqbench analysis
This study provides a rigorous benchmark of the sorted-list encoding as an efficient alternative to Jordan-Wigner for quantum simulations of chemical systems, specifically optimizing qubit usage in low-electron-filling regimes. By quantifying resource costs across various Hamiltonian simulation techniques and basis sets, it offers critical insights into reducing overhead for fault-tolerant electronic structure calculations. These findings directly advance the practical feasibility of using near-term to mid-term quantum hardware for solving complex chemical problems with high precision.
Benchmarking Quantum Simulation of Chemical Hamiltonians using the Sorted-List Encoding
arXiv:2510.01710v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: Quantum Phase Estimation (QPE) is a cornerstone algorithm for fault-tolerant quantum computation, especially for electronic structure calculations of chemical systems. Optimal simulation relies on a complex trade-offs across many parameters including Hamiltonian simulation techniques, basis sets, and the fermion-to-qubit encodings. Here, we characterize the trade-offs and quantify the quantum resource costs of the sorted-list encoding as a particle-conserving, low-qubit alternative to the Jordan-Wigner encoding. We identify specific regimes, across different simulation techniques and basis sets, where the sorted-list encoding would be favorable compared to existing methods. Our findings are further supported through numerical benchmarks of real-world chemical systems. We found the sorted-list encoding to be a viable alternative to the Jordan-Wigner encoding for the compact molecular orbital basis when the electron-filling ratio is low, which typically occurs when high-precision results are required. In the plane-wave basis, we found similar asymptotic gate and qubit scaling between the sorted-list and the first-quantized encoding, although the first-quantized encoding still retains lower constant factors.
Abstract:Quantum Phase Estimation (QPE) is a cornerstone algorithm for fault-tolerant quantum computation, especially for electronic structure calculations of chemical systems. Optimal simulation relies on a complex trade-offs across many parameters including Hamiltonian simulation techniques, basis sets, and the fermion-to-qubit encodings. Here, we characterize the trade-offs and quantify the quantum resource costs of the sorted-list encoding as a particle-conserving, low-qubit alternative to the Jordan-Wigner encoding. We identify specific regimes, across different simulation techniques and basis sets, where the sorted-list encoding would be favorable compared to existing methods. Our findings are further supported through numerical benchmarks of real-world chemical systems. We found the sorted-list encoding to be a viable alternative to the Jordan-Wigner encoding for the compact molecular orbital basis when the electron-filling ratio is low, which typically occurs when high-precision results are required. In the plane-wave basis, we found similar asymptotic gate and qubit scaling between the sorted-list and the first-quantized encoding, although the first-quantized encoding still retains lower constant factors.
arXiv:2510.01710 [quant-ph]
(or arXiv:2510.01710v2 [quant-ph] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2510.01710 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite
Phys. Rev. Research 8, 033091 (2026)
https://doi.org/10.1103/6q7b-h9db Focus to learn more DOI(s) linking to related resources
arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.
Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.
Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.
Full text under the publisher's open licence · 265 words

