Understanding quantum advantage via classical simulation algorithms for quantum circuits

量子计算机有望通过解决使用现有经典设备不可能解决的问题来彻底改变科学和社会。 然而，量子计算机所能触及的新问题的全部范围还没有完全被理解。我们的项目通过问：哪些量子过程可以被经典计算机模拟来解决这个基本问题？ 通过回答这个问题，我们将绘制出经典计算机可解决的问题和只能由量子计算机解决的问题之间的边界。除了引导我们走向量子计算机的新应用之外，我们将开发的技术将有助于在短期内对正在建造的量子计算机原型进行基准测试。

Quantum computers promise to revolutionise science and society by solving problems that are impossible using our existing classical devices. However, the full scope of the new problems within the reach of quantum computers is not completely understood.Our project tackles this foundational question by asking: which quantum processes can be simulated by classical computers? By answering this question, we will map the boundary between those problems solvable by classical computers and those solvable only by quantum computers.Beyond guiding us towards new applications of quantum computers, the techniques we will develop will be useful in benchmarking the prototypes of quantum computers that are being constructed in the short term.