Exact factorization of unitary transformations with spin-adapted generators

Preserving spin symmetry in variational quantum algorithms is essential for producing physically meaningful electronic wave functions. Implementing spin-adapted transformations on quantum hardware, however, is challenging because the corresponding fermionic generators translate into noncommuting Pauli operators. In this study, we introduce an exact and computationally efficient factorization of spin-adapted unitaries derived from fermionic double excitation and deexcitation rotations. These unitaries are expressed as ordered products of exponentials of Pauli operators. Our method exploits the fact that the elementary operators in these generators form small Lie algebras. By working in the adjoint representation of these algebras, we reformulate the factorization problem as a low-dimensional nonlinear optimization over matrix exponentials. This approach enables precise numerical reparametrization of the unitaries without relying on symbolic manipulations. The proposed factorization provides a practical strategy for constructing symmetry-conserving quantum circuits within variational algorithms. It preserves spin symmetry by design, reduces implementation cost, and ensures the accurate representation of electronic states in quantum simulations of molecular systems.

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Publication Details

Journal
The Journal of Chemical Physics
Published
2026-05-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0326865
Primary Topic
Quantum Computing Algorithms and Architecture
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Exact factorization of unitary transformations with spin-adapted generators

Artur F. Izmaylov, P. L. Jain, Erik R. Kjellgren
The Journal of Chemical Physics
Quantum Computing Algorithms and Architecture
article

Exact factorization of unitary transformations with spin-adapted generators

Artur F. Izmaylov, P. L. Jain, Erik R. Kjellgren
article en

Abstract

Preserving spin symmetry in variational quantum algorithms is essential for producing physically meaningful electronic wave functions. Implementing spin-adapted transformations on quantum hardware, however, is challenging because the corresponding fermionic generators translate into noncommuting Pauli operators. In this study, we introduce an exact and computationally efficient factorization of spin-adapted unitaries derived from fermionic double excitation and deexcitation rotations. These unitaries are expressed as ordered products of exponentials of Pauli operators. Our method exploits the fact that the elementary operators in these generators form small Lie algebras. By working in the adjoint representation of these algebras, we reformulate the factorization problem as a low-dimensional nonlinear optimization over matrix exponentials. This approach enables precise numerical reparametrization of the unitaries without relying on symbolic manipulations. The proposed factorization provides a practical strategy for constructing symmetry-conserving quantum circuits within variational algorithms. It preserves spin symmetry by design, reduces implementation cost, and ensures the accurate representation of electronic states in quantum simulations of molecular systems.

The Journal of Chemical PhysicsVol. 164(19)
University of Southern Denmark (DK), University of Toronto (CA), Scarborough Health Network (CA)
Novo Nordisk Fonden
Openalex Percentile: Top 4%
Quantum Computing Algorithms and Architecture
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Exact factorization of unitary transformations with spin-adapted generators — Artur F. Izmaylov, P. L. Jain, et al. · The Journal of Chemical Physics (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS