Dyon van Vreumingen is the first PhD graduate from QuSoft whose research was funded by QDNL’s Startimpuls program. His work focused on quantum algorithms for quantum many-body systems, a fundamental challenge in quantum computing. His journey into the field began about eight years ago during his master's studies in theoretical physics and computer science. Both of his master's theses were centered on quantum computing, including an internship at Volkswagen Group of America in San Francisco.

Dyon’s research is particularly significant as it contributes to advancing quantum algorithms, a key component of realizing quantum computing's potential. QDNL's investment in his work reflects its mission to strengthen the Dutch quantum ecosystem by supporting young researchers tackling fundamental scientific questions. As the first PhD to complete his trajectory under this initiative, Dyon’s experience provides valuable insights into the impact of QDNL’s support and the opportunities within the Dutch quantum research landscape.

It feels great to be a doctor after four years of work! I'm very happy with the achievement. Of course, no PhD is always easy, but all the people at QuSoft and the VU quantum chemistry group made it a journey well worth remembering.

Quantum many-body systems consist of multiple atomic-scale objects (such as atoms and electrons), including molecules and materials. These objects follow the laws of quantum mechanics, and to understand such a system, we need to determine its "wave function" or "quantum state" at a particular energy—often the lowest possible energy.

State preparation is the computationally demanding process of calculating this wave function for a given system. Quantum computing appears to be a promising candidate for accelerating this task. My research focuses on adiabatic state preparation, a method where the desired wave function is prepared on a quantum computer by starting with an approximation and gradually refining it. My thesis explores variations of this technique that enhance standard approaches in specific scenarios.

Aside from a rocky start due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the interdisciplinary nature of my research was a major challenge. My work sits at the intersection of physics, computer science, mathematics, and quantum chemistry, requiring me to become familiar with multiple fields.

Additionally, quantum many-body state preparation was not an active area of research at QuSoft when I started, and the research focus of the VU quantum chemistry group didn’t fully align with mine. As a result, I had to conduct a significant portion of my research independently, which was a challenge but also a valuable learning experience.

To me, QuSoft's greatest value lies in its warm and laid-back atmosphere. This atmosphere fosters insightful discussions, personal connections, and mental well-being—important factors for any PhD journey. I learned a lot from my colleagues at QuSoft and benefited from the collaborative environment.

As for QDNL’s support, to be honest, I didn’t experience much direct influence on my research. I had a lot of freedom in choosing my research direction. The most noticeable aspect of QDNL's support was probably the time sheets we had to fill in every month!

For now, I want to transition away from quantum computing and move into renewable energy. I'm particularly interested in renewable energy markets and investments, and I’d like to contribute to this area by applying the skills I developed during my PhD. I believe quantum computing is still too early in its development to have a big impact in this field, but I’m curious to see how things evolve in the coming years.

I think it’s crucial to have a vision for your research direction—both in terms of interest and feasibility. At the start of my PhD, I chose a niche topic simply because it seemed fun, but I quickly realized that working in an underexplored area meant there was little existing literature to build upon, making it a more difficult project. Also, seeking collaboration can enhance your research output and make the journey more enjoyable.