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arXiv:2206.08909 · Physical review. D/Physical review. D.

Quantum simulation of Z 2 lattice gauge theory with minimal resources

Reinis Irmejs, Mari Carmen Bañuls, J. I. Cirac

Published Oct 10, 2023• 30 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

The quantum simulation of fermionic gauge field theories is one of the anticipated uses of quantum computers in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era. Recently work has been done to simulate properties of the fermionic ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ gauge field theory in $(1+1)\mathrm{D}$ and the pure gauge theory in $(2+1)\mathrm{D}$. In this work, we investigate various options for simulating the fermionic ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ gauge field theory in $(2+1)\mathrm{D}$. To simulate the theory on a NISQ device it is vital to minimize both the number of qubits used and the circuit depth. In this work we propose ways to optimize both criteria for simulating time dynamics. In particular, we develop a new way to simulate this theory on a quantum computer, with minimal qubit requirements. We provide a quantum circuit for simulating a single first-order Trotter step that minimizes the number of 2-qubit gates needed and gives comparable results to methods requiring more qubits. Furthermore, we investigate variational Trotterization approaches that allow us to further decrease the circuit depth.

DOI
10.1103/physrevd.108.074503

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The quantum simulation of fermionic gauge field theories is one of the anticipated uses of quantum computers in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era. Recently work has been done to simulate properties of the fermionic Z2{\mathbb{Z}}_{2}Z2​ gauge field theory in (1+1)D(1+1)\mathrm{D}(1+1)D and the pure gauge theory in (2+1)D(2+1)\mathrm{D}(2+1)D. In this work, we investigate various options for simulating the fermionic Z2{\mathbb{Z}}_{2}Z2​ gauge field theory in (2+1)D(2+1)\mathrm{D}(2+1)D. To simulate the theory on a NISQ device it is vital to minimize both the number of qubits used and the circuit depth. In this work we propose ways to optimize both criteria for simulating time dynamics. In particular, we develop a new way to simulate this theory on a quantum computer, with minimal qubit requirements. We provide a quantum circuit for simulating a single first-order Trotter step that minimizes the number of 2-qubit gates needed and gives comparable results to methods requiring more qubits. Furthermore, we investigate variational Trotterization approaches that allow us to further decrease the circuit depth.
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Two-dimensional Z2\mathbb{Z}_2Z2​ lattice gauge theory on a near-term quantum simulator: variational quantum optimization, confinement, and topological order
We propose an implementation of a two-dimensional Z2\mathbb{Z}_2Z2​ lattice gauge theory model on a shallow quantum circuit, involving a number of single and two-qubits gates comparable to what can be achieved with present-day and near-future technologies. The ground state preparation is numerically analyzed on a small lattice with a variational quantum algorithm, which requires a small number of parameters to reach high fidelities and can be efficiently scaled up on larger systems. Despite the reduced size of the lattice we consider, a transition between confined and deconfined regimes can be detected by measuring expectation values of Wilson loop operators or the topological entropy. Moreover, if periodic boundary conditions are implemented, the same optimal solution is transferable among all four different topological sectors, without any need for further optimization on the variational parameters. Our work shows that variational quantum algorithms provide a useful technique to be added in the growing toolbox for digital simulations of lattice gauge theories.
This research paper provides a comprehensive review of quantum simulation methods for lattice gauge theories during the current era of noisy intermediate-scale quantum computing. It focuses on the fundamental framework used to understand strong interactions in high-energy physics and explores how quantum devices can overcome the limitations of traditional computational methods, such as the sign problem found in classical simulations. The manuscript is built around three primary pillars that are critical for near-term progress. The first pillar involves encoding strategies, describing the movement away from simple mapping techniques toward more advanced, compact methods that significantly decrease the number of required quantum bits by focusing only on physically relevant states and exploiting local gauge constraints. The second pillar analyzes specific variational quantum algorithms that use flexible circuit structures to find low-energy states, comparing different approaches based on their circuit depth and suitability for current hardware. The third pillar evaluates various error mitigation techniques used to extract accurate information from imperfect quantum hardware, such as methods that amplify and then remove noise or those that use physical symmetries to detect and discard errors. Additionally, the paper compares different hardware technologies—including those based on superconducting circuits, trapped atoms, and ions—to weigh their respective benefits, such as gate speed and connectivity, against their drawbacks. It also introduces emerging hybrid approaches that combine quantum circuits with artificial neural networks to improve simulation power and state representation. Ultimately, the review identifies pathways toward achieving practical advantages in the field and discusses the challenges that remain for scaling these systems to larger sizes.
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