Optimization of the Qubit Coupled Cluster Ansatz on Classical Computers

Immense interest in quantum computing has prompted the development of electronic structure methods that are suitable for quantum hardware. However, the slow pace at which quantum hardware progresses forces researchers to implement their ideas on classical computers despite the obvious loss of any "quantum advantage." As a result, the so-called <i>q</i>uantum-inspired methods emerge. They allow one to look at the electronic structure problem from a different angle, yet to fully exploit their capacity, efficient implementations are highly desirable. Here, we report two schemes for improving the amplitude optimization in the iterative qubit coupled cluster (iQCC) method: a variational quantum eigensolver-type approach, which is based on the qubit coupled cluster (QCC) Ansatz. Our first scheme approximates the QCC unitary as a sum of symmetrical polynomials of generators up to a given order. The resulting energy expression allows for flexible control of computational complexity via the order parameter. It also guarantees smoothness of trial energies and their derivatives, which is important for gradient-based optimization strategies. The second scheme limits the size of the expansion space in which the QCC unitary is generated. It provides better control of memory requirements but, in general, may lead to the nonsmooth variation of energy estimates upon changes in amplitudes. It can be used, however, to extrapolate energies for a given set of amplitudes toward the exact QCC value. Both schemes allow for a larger number of generators to be included in the QCC form compared to the exact formulation. This reduces the number of iterations in the iQCC method and/or leads to higher accuracy. We assess the capabilities of the new schemes to perform QCC amplitudes optimization for a few molecular systems: dinitrogen (N₂, 16 qubits), water (H₂O, 36 qubits), and tris(2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine) iridium(III), (Ir(F₂ppy)₃, 80 qubits).