Unprecedented Slowdown: Scientists Observe Chemical Reaction at 100 Billionth of its Normal Speed
Scientists have successfully observed a conical intersection, a common interaction in quantum chemistry, by using a quantum computer to slow down the process by 100 billion times. This allowed them to make meaningful observations and measurements that were previously impossible due to the extremely short duration of the interactions. The research team used a charged particle trapped in a field to monitor the reaction, providing valuable insights into light-based reactions in various scenarios. The study demonstrates the potential of quantum computers in simulating reactions and opens up new possibilities in materials science, drug design, and solar energy harvesting.