Quantum Simulation of Polarized Light-induced Electron Transfer with A Trapped-ion Qutrit System

Understand

Electron transfer within and between molecules is crucial in chemistry, biochemistry, and energy science.

• This study describes a quantum simulation method that explores the influence of light polarization on the electron transfer between two molecules.
• By implementing precise and coherent control among the quantum states of trapped atomic ions, we can induce quantum dynamics that mimic the electron transfer dynamics in molecules.
• We use $3$-level systems (qutrits), rather than traditional two-level systems (qubits) to enhance the simulation efficiency and realize high-fidelity simulations of electron transfer dynamics.