New quantum breakthrough achieves first-known computations of fusion material

Scientists from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Cleveland Clinic, and IBM used quantum computers to calculate nine molecular configurations of FLiBe, a molten salt material critical for producing tritium in future fusion reactors. Since tritium — a rare hydrogen isotope needed to fuel fusion power plants — barely exists naturally, this breakthrough could help optimize reactor designs. The team combined quantum and classical computing to achieve results traditional computers struggle to replicate alone.