In this paper, we develop the groundwork for a graph theoretic toy model of supersymmetric quantum mechanics. Using discrete Witten–Morse theory, we demonstrate that finite graphs have a natural supersymmetric structure and use this structure to incorporate supersymmetry into an existing model of graph quantum mechanics. We prove that although key characteristics of continuum supersymmetric systems are preserved on finite unweighted graphs, supersymmetry cannot be spontaneously broken. Finally, we prove new results about the behavior of supersymmetric graph quantum systems under edge rewiring.In this paper, we develop the groundwork for a graph theoretic toy model of supersymmetric quantum mechanics. Using discrete Witten–Morse theory, we demonstrate that finite graphs have a natural supersymmetric structure and use this structure to incorporate supersymmetry into an existing model of graph quantum mechanics. We prove that although key characteristics of continuum supersymmetric systems are preserved on finite unweighted graphs, supersymmetry cannot be spontaneously broken. Finally, we prove new results about the behavior of supersymmetric graph quantum systems under edge rewiring.

arXiv:2507.08889Journal of Mathematical PhysicsMay 1, 20260 citations

Quantum Computing for the Wess–Zumino Model

Chris Culver, David Schaich

Future quantum computers will enable novel sign-problem-free studies of dynamical phenomena in non-perturbative quantum field theories, including real-time evolution and spontaneous supersymmetry breaking. We are investigating applications of quantum computing to low-dimensional supersymmetric lattice systems that can serve as testbeds for existing and near-future quantum devices. Here we present initial results for the $\mathcal{N} = 1$ Wess--Zumino model in 1+1~dimensions, building on our prior analyses of 0+1-dimensional supersymmetric quantum mechanics. In addition to exploring supersymmetry breaking using the variational quantum eigensolver, we consider the prospects for real-time evolution.Future quantum computers will enable novel sign-problem-free studies of dynamical phenomena in non-perturbative quantum field theories, including real-time evolution and spontaneous supersymmetry breaking. We are investigating applications of quantum computing to low-dimensional supersymmetric lattice systems that can serve as testbeds for existing and near-future quantum devices. Here we present initial results for the $\mathcal{N} = 1$ Wess--Zumino model in 1+1~dimensions, building on our prior analyses of 0+1-dimensional supersymmetric quantum mechanics. In addition to exploring supersymmetry breaking using the variational quantum eigensolver, we consider the prospects for real-time evolution.

arXiv:2301.02230International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory (LATTICE)Feb 3, 20231 citation

Supersymmetry in Quantum Mechanics

Fred Cooper, Avinash Khare, U. Sukhatme

WORLD SCIENTIFIC eBooksJun 1, 2001628 citations

Simulating Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics Using Variational Quantum Algorithms

John Kerfoot, David Schaich, Emanuele Mendicelli

The study of spontaneous supersymmetry breaking (SSB) on the lattice is obstructed by a severe sign problem. Quantum computing provides a promising alternative approach. In particular, properties of supersymmetry relate SSB to the ground-state energy, which can be probed using hybrid quantum--classical algorithms such as the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE). In this work we present VQE analyses for supersymmetric quantum mechanics with various superpotentials. A key new feature is an adaptive ansatz construction algorithm that reduces the number of variational parameters within our ansätze. This lowers the resource burden on both the classical optimizer and the noisy quantum processor, thereby improving the feasibility of these calculations in the NISQ era. Additionally, we present preliminary VQE results obtained from real IBM quantum devices, highlighting accuracy, resource constraints, and computational cost, both with and without the application of error mitigation techniques.The study of spontaneous supersymmetry breaking (SSB) on the lattice is obstructed by a severe sign problem. Quantum computing provides a promising alternative approach. In particular, properties of supersymmetry relate SSB to the ground-state energy, which can be probed using hybrid quantum--classical algorithms such as the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE). In this work we present VQE analyses for supersymmetric quantum mechanics with various superpotentials. A key new feature is an adaptive ansatz construction algorithm that reduces the number of variational parameters within our ansätze. This lowers the resource burden on both the classical optimizer and the noisy quantum processor, thereby improving the feasibility of these calculations in the NISQ era. Additionally, we present preliminary VQE results obtained from real IBM quantum devices, highlighting accuracy, resource constraints, and computational cost, both with and without the application of error mitigation techniques.

quant-pharXiv:2603.18749Mar 20, 20260 citations

\mathcal{N} = 1

Wess--Zumino model in 1+1~dimensions, building on our prior analyses of 0+1-dimensional supersymmetric quantum mechanics. In addition to exploring supersymmetry breaking using the variational quantum eigensolver, we consider the prospects for real-time evolution.