Research Insights with Dr Louis Chen

Dr Louis Chen is a Research Associate in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. In this blog post, he shares more about his research as part of QuEST (Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology at Imperial College London). Louis’ research focuses on distributed quantum computing, connecting multiple quantum processing units in a powerful system to solve large-scale, complex real-world challenges, like communications systems, smart cities, climate change prediction and medical image analysis.

What are the main aims of your current research?

My current research focuses on distributed quantum computing (DQC), aiming to push quantum processing units (QPUs) toward large-scale accelerated computing that can address real-world challenges—what we like to call “quantum for humanity.” This includes using quantum computing to optimise communication systems in smart cities (how data is transmitted efficiently and reliably, such as internet and mobile connectivity), exploring machine learning applications for climate change prediction and medical image analysis for early disease detection and diagnosis accuracy, as well as conducting quantum simulations for drug discovery and materials development.

By pushing the boundaries of quantum computing, I aim to develop innovative solutions to tackle complex, real-world challenges in fields such as communication, smart cities, climate change, and healthcare.

How would you explain your research to someone outside the field?

My research focuses on quantum computing and quantum information processing. Unlike traditional computing, which relies on binary information processing, quantum technology uses quantum entanglement and superposition to process signals and perform computations. This allows quantum computers to tackle certain complex problems much more efficiently than classical computers. For example, quantum computers can solve intricate optimisation problems faster, simulate molecular structures more accurately, and provide significant enhancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning applications.

Why did you study this area and why is it important?

Quantum entanglement enables two or more qubits to be interlinked in ways that classical computers cannot replicate, while quantum superposition allows qubits to represent multiple states simultaneously. These features enable quantum computers to process vast amounts of information in parallel, significantly boosting computational efficiency.

This efficiency holds great potential for addressing critical challenges in fields such as climate change and achieving net zero goals. Quantum computing can help scientists simulate complex natural phenomena with greater accuracy and develop more effective solutions. As Richard Feynman once said, “Nature isn’t classical, dammit, and if you want to make a simulation of nature, you’d better make it quantum mechanical, and by golly, it’s a wonderful problem because it doesn’t look so easy.”

What are the next steps in your research? Are there any challenges ahead?

Today’s main hurdles in quantum computing involve scaling up (or modularising) the number of qubits and mitigating noise-induced low fidelity. In my next phase of research, I’ll develop new quantum algorithms designed to work across multiple connected quantum systems (tailored for distributed quantum computing and incorporating quantum error correction schemes, as well as design practical quantum error mitigation protocols). I’ll also focus on ways to correct errors that naturally occur in quantum computers and develop practical strategies to reduce these errors. I’ll test and compare these methods in carefully chosen application scenarios to show how they can make quantum computers significantly more powerful and useful, especially when combined with high-performance classical computing systems (Quantum-HPC ecosystems.).

What do you enjoy outside of research?

Outside of research, I enjoy engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and running marathons. I particularly enjoy running in Hyde Park or Battersea Park during weekends when the weather is good. Running helps me unwind and stay physically active, but I often find inspiration to solve fundamental problems in my research during my runs. Additionally, I have a passion for cooking and experimenting with new recipes, which allows me to explore different cultures and cuisines.