Singular value decomposition quantum algorithm for quantum biology

There has been a recent interest in quantum algorithms for the modelling and prediction of non-unitary quantum dynamics using current quantum computers. The field of quantum biology is one area where these algorithms could prove to be useful, as biological systems are generally intractable to treat in their complete form, but amenable to an open quantum systems approach. Here we present the application of a recently developed singular value decomposition algorithm to two well-studied benchmark systems in quantum biology: excitonic energy transport through the Fenna-Matthews-Olson complex and the radical pair mechanism for avian navigation. We demonstrate that the singular value decomposition algorithm is capable of capturing accurate short- and long-time dynamics for these systems through implementation on a quantum simulator, and conclude that this algorithm has the potential to be an effective tool for the future study of systems relevant to quantum biology.