An optimized construction of lie algebra generator pools for variational quantum eigensolvers in chemistry
Abstract Lie algebras are essential mathematical structures used in physics to describe sets of quantum operators. Identifying a minimal set of generators to construct these algebras is a central challenge. The traditional search for such generators relies on greedy construction steps applied to an exponentially growing number of candidate operators, making it computationally intractable. Here we show a general, polynomial-scaling strategy, based on fundamental Lie-algebraic properties, to overcome this bottleneck. We apply this framework to quantum chemistry, specifically to adaptive variational algorithms that simulate molecular ground states. By integrating our mathematically verified generator pools into a batched algorithmic framework, we reduce the required quantum resources and improve convergence for strongly correlated systems. Furthermore, this approach eliminates computational bottlenecks that previously restricted fixed-ansatz non-iterative coupled-cluster methods to small molecules, enabling simulations of complex systems well beyond previous limits. This foundational framework also presents broad applications across quantum computing, including quantum error correction, machine learning, and hardware control.
Authors
- César Feniou
- Siwar Badreddine (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3976-8813)
- Jean‐Philip Piquemal (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6615-9426)
- Olivier Adjoua (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1539-8230)
- Yaromir Viswanathan
Institutions
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR)
- Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (FR)
- Sorbonne Université (FR)
- Laboratoire de Chimie Théorique (FR)
- Qubit Pharmaceuticals (FR)
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (FR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Communications Physics
- Published
- 2026-09-24
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s42005-026-02879-y
- Primary Topic
- Quantum Computing Algorithms and Architecture
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- European Commission
- Agence Nationale de la Recherche
- Grand Équipement National De Calcul Intensif