Interview with Dyon van Vreumingen: First PhD Graduate Funded by QDNL’s Startimpuls
Dyon van Vreumingen is the first PhD graduate from QuSoft funded by QDNL’s Startimpuls program. His dissertation, Strategies for adiabatic state preparation of quantum many-body systems, explores quantum algorithms designed to tackle the complex challenge of preparing quantum many-body states—a fundamental problem in quantum computing.
With a background in theoretical physics and computer science, Dyon focused on improving quantum state preparation techniques, a critical step in making quantum simulations and computations more efficient and practical. His research contributes to advancing quantum algorithms, helping to bridge the gap between theoretical models and real-world quantum applications.
Dyon’s work exemplifies the impact of QDNL’s commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering groundbreaking research. By supporting promising scientists like him, QDNL continues to strengthen the Dutch quantum ecosystem and advance the development of next-generation quantum technologies.
How does it feel to be the first PhD graduate from QuSoft funded by QDNL’s Startimpuls?
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.
About your dissertation—could you give us a brief summary of your research?
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.
What were some of the key challenges you faced during your PhD journey?
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.
Now that you have completed your PhD, what’s next for you?
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 to have a big impact in this field, but I’m curious to see how things evolve in the coming years.
What advice would you give to future PhD students working in quantum research?
Having a vision for your research direction is crucial, 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.
I’d like to express my gratitude to my supervisors, colleagues at QuSoft, and everyone who supported me throughout my PhD. It has been an incredible experience, and I look forward to seeing how the quantum field continues to evolve in the coming years. Thank you for this opportunity to share my journey!
