Quantum simulation of fundamental physics

Nikita A. Zemlevskiy

Quantum computing offers a new, orthogonal direction for investigating fundamental physics, extending beyond classical numerical methods and conventional observables. Realizing this potential requires directly confronting the noise limiting currently available quantum computers. Progress rests on advancing algorithms, interpreting their results, and managing their errors together. This thesis presents several advancements in the use of quantum simulation and quantum information to probe fundamental physics. The first is in the use of quantum computers to simulate collisions in quantum field theories. Central to these simulations are new wavepacket preparation, time evolution, and error mitigation techniques, which allow for simulations with some of the largest effective circuit volumes to date. These methods enable the first quantum simulation providing numerical evidence for inelastic particle production, a key process in fundamental physics. The second advancement centers on the role quantum-information-theoretic quantities play in physical processes. Beyond mere correlations with the physics of the process, entanglement and magic are shown to probe the interactions present in scattering and hadronization dynamics. A precision study requires a complete quantification of algorithmic and hardware uncertainties, an outstanding goal as quantum simulations mature. The third advancement in this thesis addresses error management. A framework minimizing the effect of algorithmic errors in analog quantum simulations is presented. In a step toward fault tolerance, error detection in encoded quantum simulations is shown to improve estimation of local observables relative to unencoded runs. Together, the developments in this thesis mark practical progress toward fault-tolerant quantum simulations of fundamental physics capable of scientific discovery.

C. Bauer, Zohreh Davoudi, Natalie Klco +1 more

John R. Hiller, Ian Johnston, Daniel F. Styer +3 more

Jincheng Zhang

Quantum simulation is a promising field of research that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to simulate the behavior of complex physical systems. This paper explores the development of a novel quantum simulation method based on the principle of physical field values, aiming to enhance simulation accuracy and provide new insights into fundamental physics. We present a detailed explanation of the method's architecture, focusing on the utilization of quantum computation to emulate physical fields and construct a robust quantum simulation model. The core claim highlights the potential of this approach to overcome limitations of traditional quantum simulation and facilitate the validation of theoretical physics. This work will demonstrate the efficacy of this technique through illustrative examples and analysis of its potential impact on various physical systems.

Andreas H. Trabesinger

Jincheng Zhang

Quantum simulation offers a unique pathway to investigate the fundamental properties and dynamics of quantum geometry, providing a powerful tool for modeling complex physical phenomena such as black holes and cosmology. This paper explores the use of quantum simulation to discover and translate geometric patterns into tangible physical outcomes. The core claim centers on leveraging dynamic geometric simulations to reveal underlying quantum geometric principles, ultimately enabling the creation of realistic simulations of these phenomena. Traditional physics simulation relies on classical numerical methods, while quantum simulation represents a transformative approach, offering the potential to unveil geometric realities previously inaccessible to direct observation. The development of this method is driven by the desire to deepen our understanding of the underlying physics through the lens of quantum mechanics.