Quantum Algorithms and Applications
Exploring the frontiers of Quantum Computation
Explore PublicationsOur Research Focus
Our group specializes in developing novel quantum algorithms and architectures for next-generation quantum computers. With a strong focus on the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) algorithm and optimization methods, we aim to bridge theoretical breakthroughs with practical applications. Our research explores innovative techniques to solve complex quantum problems and push the boundaries of quantum computation.
Energy-Optimization of NISQ Quantum Computers
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Latest Publications
Meta-optimization of resources on quantum computers
Scientific Reports 14, Article number: 10312 (2024)
Read MoreSelf-testing quantum states via nonmaximal violation in Hardy's test of nonlocality
Physical Review A 105, 052227 (2022)
Read MoreImplementation of quantum compression on IBM quantum computers
Scientific Reports 12, Article number: 5841 (2022)
Read MoreBest-Practice Aspects of Quantum-Computer Calculations: A Case Study of the Hydrogen Molecule
Molecules 27(3), 597 (2022)
Read MoreThe Cost of Improving the Precision of the Variational Quantum Eigensolver for Quantum Chemistry
Nanomaterials 12(1), 243 (2022)
Read MoreResearch Projects
Resource Efficient Algorithms for Quantum Computers in NISQ Era
Principal Investigator: Martin Plesch
Project ID: 2/0055/23
Program: VEGA
Duration: 01.01.2023 - 31.12.2026
Team: Yuri Chernyak, Nikolas Masničák, Ijaz Ahamed Mohammad, Matej Pivoluska
Conventional supercomputers seem to be outpaced by increasing demand for computational power when developing new drugs, modeling nanoparticles or assessing problems in materials science and nuclear physics. Quantum computers are expected to provide exponentially growing power thanks to their use of quantum effects and indications of so-called quantum advantage have been demonstrated. Unfortunately, the current capabilities of quantum computers are rather limited by numerous issues. Because of them, the quantum computing performed nowadays is described as the Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) era. Currently the most promising algorithms for practical purposes are hybrid algorithms, where only part of calculation is performed by a quantum computer. An example of such an algorithm, is the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE), which calculates the smallest eigen-value of an input matrix. Within this project we aim to develop resource efficient methods of VQE that would work on existing quantum computers.
Founding of A Quantum Computer group at IPSAS
Principal Investigator: Martin Plesch
Project ID: 09I03-03-V04-00685
Program: Plán obnovy EÚ (EU Recovery Plan)
Duration: 01.09.2024 - 31.08.2026
Team: Yuri Chernyak, Nikolas Masničák, Ijaz Ahamed Mohammad, Matej Pivoluska
Classical supercomputers struggle to meet the growing demand for computational power in areas such as drug development, nanoparticle modeling, materials science, and nuclear physics. Quantum computers, on the other hand, are expected to provide exponentially growing computational power through quantum effects, with indications of quantum advantage already demonstrated. Current quantum computers, however, are limited by many problems, leading to the definition of the current era as the Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) era. Hybrid algorithms, where quantum computers perform only specific parts of calculations, are currently the most promising for practical applications. One example is the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE), which calculates the smallest eigenvalue of an input matrix. This project aims to develop resource-efficient VQE methods that can be implemented on existing quantum computers.
Meet Our Team
Martin Plesch
Group Leader
Martin Plesch is a physicist specializing in complex physical systems and quantum information theory. He has held significant roles, including Head of the Department of Complex Physical Systems and Marie Curie Fellow. He is an independent researcher at the Slovak Academy of Sciences and a professor at Matej Bel University in Bratislava. With a PhD from the Institute of Physics Slovak Academy of Sciences, Prof. Plesch has held significant roles, including Head of the Department of Complex Physical Systems and Marie Curie Fellow at Masaryk University Brno. He has received numerous accolades for his research and educational contributions, including the Prize for Popularization of Science and the "Social Innovator" award. Prof. Plesch is also actively involved in international scientific committees and educational initiatives, serving as a President of the International Young Physicists' Tournament and the World Federation of Physics.
Research Interests
My research interests include quantum protocols, focusing on quantum random number generation. Recently, I have been interested in the application of small-scale quantum computers. I am also active in many popularization activities such as the International Young Physicist's Tournament or International Junior Science Olympiad. I am also helping to run the Dionýz Ilkovič foundation supporting gifted students and their teachers and tutor. I am running a blog as well (in Slovak).
Education/Professional History
- 2010 – present: Masaryk University, Marie Curie Fellow, later collaborator, on ICS since 2017
- 2001 – present: Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Head of the Department (since 2019)
- 2014: Associated Professor title, Comenius University, Bratislava
- 2012: Research stay at Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford
- 2009 – 2010: University of Vienna, research stay
- 2005: Ph.D. degree in Physics, Institute of Physics SAS, Bratislava
- 2006 – present: International Young Physicists' Tournament, President since 2015
Matej Pivoluska
Senior Researcher
Matej Pivoluska is is a Senior Engineer at Quantum Technology Laboratories in Vienna, specializing in quantum optics, quantum cryptography, quantum information processing, and quantum computing. With a PhD in Informatics from Masaryk University, he has held various research positions, including at the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Pivoluska has contributed extensively to high-dimensional quantum key distribution, quantum entanglement, and quantum computing, with over 30 published articles.
Research Interests
My research interests include quantum cryptography, especially quantum key distribution protocols with the use of high-dimensional quantum systems (qudits). Recently I have taken an interest in quantum computing with NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) hardware, especially in conjunction with practical algorithms with use in chemistry and condensed matter physics. My areas of interest include Quantum Key Distribution, Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Chemistry, and Quantum Optimization.
Education/Professional History
- Feb 2021 – Sep 2021: Researcher at Austrian Academy of Sciences, IQOQI group of Dr. Rupert Ursin, Vienna, Austria
- 2017 – present: Researcher at Institute of Computer Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Oct 2016 – Oct 2017: PostDoc at Austrian Academy of Sciences, IQOQI group of Dr. Marcus Huber, Vienna, Austria
- Oct 2016: Obtained SAIA stipend to join IQOQI group of Dr. Marcus Huber, Vienna, Austria
- 2016 – present: Assistant researcher at Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Physics, Bratislava, Slovakia
- 2015 – Sep 2016: Assistant researcher at Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- 2010 – 2015: Ph.D. degree in Computer Science (Weak randomness in quantum cryptography), Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- 2012: Doctoral's degree (Rerum Naturalium Doctor) in Computer Science, Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- 2008 – 2010: Master's degree in Computer Science (Classical Cryptography), Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- 2005 – 2008: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (Genetic Algorithms), Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
Ijaz Ahmed Mohammad
Senior Researcher
Ijaz Ahmed Mohammad is a senior Physics PhD student specializing in quantum computation with a focus on resource-efficient optimization methods for quantum computing. He finished his B.S and M.S in Physics at Indian Institute of Science Educational Research (IISER), Mohali, India in 2021. He was an INSPIRE-SHE scholarship recipient from 2016-2018. He started his doctoral studies at the Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences in 2021. He has contributed two research articles in the field of quantum information and computation.
Research Interests
His research focuses on resource-efficient optimization methods for quantum computation, variational quantum eigensolver, and the application of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms.
Education/Professional History
- 2021 – present: PhD studies, Slovak Academy of Sciences
- 2016 – 2021: B.S and M.S in Physics, IISER Mohali, India
- 2016 – 2018: INSPIRE-SHE Scholarship recipient
Yury Chernyak
Researcher
Yury Chernyak received a B.A. degree in Mathematics and Physics at Hartwick College and an M.S. degree in Physics from SUNY University at Albany in 2022. He began his doctoral studies at the Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences in 2023, specializing in non-gradient optimization techniques applied to the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) algorithm.
Research Interests
His research interests include optimization methods for quantum computation, variational quantum Eigensolver and applications of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms.
Education/Professional History
- 2023 – present: PhD studies, Slovak Academy of Sciences
- 2020 - 2022: M.S. in Physics, SUNY University at Albany
- 2018 – 2022: B.A. in Mathematics and Physics, Hartwick College
Nicolas Masnicak
Researcher
Nikolas Masnicak received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in theoretical physics from Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic, in 2022. He started his doctoral studies at the Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences in 2023, focusing on optimization algorithms and their applications in quantum computing.
Research Interests
His research interests include quantum optimization methods, theoretical physics, and computational models for quantum systems.
Education/Professional History
- 2023 – present: PhD studies, Slovak Academy of Sciences
- 2022: M.S. in Theoretical Physics, Masaryk University
- 2020: B.S. in Theoretical Physics, Masaryk University
Ivana Miháliková
Postdoctoral Researcher
Ivana Miháliková's research centers on hybrid quantum-classical algorithms. She collaborates closely on projects involving the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) and advanced optimization techniques in quantum computing.
Research Interests
Her research interests include hybrid algorithms, quantum machine learning, and practical applications of NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) systems.
Education/Professional History
- 2022 – present: Postdoctoral Researcher, Slovak Academy of Sciences
- 2019: PhD in Quantum Information Science, Comenius University
- 2016: M.S. in Theoretical Physics, Comenius University