International Business MachinesIBM's quantum computer achieved first-known fusion materials computations, demonstrating technological capability.

A team from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Cleveland Clinic, and IBM has performed the first-known quantum computer calculations of molecular configurations for a material key to producing fusion fuel. The researchers computed nine configurations of FLiBe, a molten salt containing fluorine, lithium, and beryllium that is a leading candidate for extracting tritium in fusion reactors. The work, published on arXiv, used quantum-centric supercomputing techniques to model the electronic structure and tritium-binding properties of FLiBe clusters, a task that is computationally challenging for classical computers alone. Ensuring adequate tritium supply is a critical barrier to fusion energy and a key objective of the U.S. Department of Energy's Genesis Mission, which unites high-performance computing, AI, and quantum computing across national labs. The collaboration aims to scale simulations further and reduce data-transfer times between quantum and classical resources.
International Business MachinesIBM's quantum computer achieved first-known fusion materials computations, demonstrating technological capability.
CTO Realty Growth IncCleveland Clinic collaborated on quantum computing research for fusion materials, advancing its scientific profile.