New research has shown that molecules can be as effective as black holes at scrambling quantum information. This groundbreaking study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was led by Peter Wolynes from Rice University and his team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The researchers combined tools from black hole physics and chemical physics to demonstrate that quantum information scrambling occurs in chemical reactions at a level close to the quantum limit seen in black holes. This addresses a long-standing question in chemical physics regarding the speed at which quantum information gets scrambled in molecules during reactions.
Chemical reactions involve complex systems with a vast number of possible quantum states, leading to the scrambling of quantum information during the reaction process. The researchers utilized a mathematical tool called out-of-time-order correlators (OTOCs) to analyze how quantum information is scrambled in chemical reactions. OTOCs were initially used in the context of superconductors and later in studying black holes, providing insights into how quickly information spreads within a quantum system. Understanding information scrambling in chemical reactions is crucial for controlling the outcome of reactions and optimizing reaction processes.
The calculation of OTOCs revealed that chemical reactions with low activation energy and tunneling effects at low temperatures can scramble information at a quantum mechanical limit similar to that in black holes. Nancy Makri, a chemist at Illinois Urbana-Champaign, used path integral methods to study the impact of embedding simple chemical reactions within larger systems, such as a molecule’s vibrations or a solvent, that tend to suppress chaotic motion. The researchers found that large environments can suppress scrambling effects, indicating a significant change in behavior in the presence of external factors.
Practical applications of this research include setting limits on how tunneling systems can be used to build qubits for quantum computers. Minimizing information scrambling between interacting tunneling systems can enhance the reliability of quantum computers and advance advancements in light-driven reactions and materials design. The study also has implications for processes involving multiple tunneling steps, such as electron conduction in soft quantum materials like perovskites used in solar cells. Overall, the research findings have the potential to transform various fields by providing insights into how quantum information is scrambled and controlled in chemical reactions.
Peter Wolynes, a professor at Rice University, led the research team, along with collaborators from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Their study sheds light on the complexity of quantum information scrambling in chemical reactions, drawing parallels to the behavior observed in black holes. By using OTOCs and advanced mathematical tools, the researchers highlighted the importance of understanding information scrambling to control and optimize chemical reactions effectively. The study was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Bullard-Welch Chair at Rice University, showcasing the significance of interdisciplinary research in advancing scientific knowledge.
