Cheap and efficient solar cells

Identifying new materials that increase solar cell efficiency.

The urgent need for energy abundance and self-sufficiency is driving the search for a new generation of solar cells that can break through current efficiency barriers.

Problem

To develop next-generation solar cells, scientists are leveraging a process called singlet fission, where specially designed organic materials could significantly boost solar cell efficiency. This is a major challenge, as the design space is large, and current simulations — even on today's supercomputers — cannot handle the complexity of atomic-scale interactions.

Solution

Our breakthrough quantum algorithm efficiently simulates electron-nuclear dynamics in singlet fission, requiring only a few hundred logical qubits. It evaluates a candidate compound in a matter of hours, while delivering the accuracy needed to guide materials design.

We expect Xanadu's new quantum algorithm to serve as a powerful design tool, enabling scientists to engineer novel ultra-high-efficiency solar cells to power a sustainable future.

Learn More

• Material discovery reborn: Applications of quantum computing in quantum dynamics
  February 3, 2025
• Quantum algorithm for vibronic dynamics: case study on singlet fission solar cell design
  September 29, 2025

Where quantum meets industry

Xanadu is focused on building useful quantum computers to solve the world's most intractable computational problems.

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