Fragment-based initialization for quantum subspace methods

Abstract

Here, we present a novel quantum-classical algorithm called LAS-QKSD for multireference systems, by combining a classical localized active space (LAS) fragment-based multireference algorithm with the quantum Krylov subspace diagonalization (QKSD) method for quantum computers. The algorithm uses wave function information from a LAS self-consistent field (LASSCF) calculation to prepare an initial state with better overlap with the target ground state than the Hartree-Fock state. This is coupled with the use of QKSD to ultimately converge to the exact energy, providing faster convergence than starting from the Hartree-Fock state. Fragmentation has the two-fold benefit of fewer configurations on the classical side of the algorithm as well as fewer state preparation gates on the quantum side. First, we compare the LAS-QKSD method to the classical LASSCF method and to QKSD with a Hartree-Fock initial state. We then examine ways to load the LASSCF wave function using direct initialization and a QKSD-motivated spectral filtering approach. Finally, using a bimetallic complex, we show that the LAS-QKSD method is an efficient alternative to highly expensive complete active space SCF (CASSCF) calculations on strongly correlated systems.