We develop a mathematical framework for the quantum simulation of lattice gauge theories using gauge-invariant packaged quantum states \cite{Ma2017,Ma2025}. In this formalism, every single excitation transforms as a complete \textbf{irreducible representation (irrep)} of the local gauge group, preventing any appearance of fractional or partial \textbf{internal quantum numbers (IQNs)}. Multi-particle excitations can form nontrivial packaged entangled states that are also gauge invariant, thereby forbidding partial or fractional IQNs. In other words, all IQNs of such packaged entangled states remain inseparably entangled. This ``packaging principle'' ensures that physical states remain confined to the correct gauge sector and excludes partial charges or colors, even when multiple excitations are entangled. We illustrate this approach for $\mathrm{U}(1)$ , $\mathrm{SU}(2)$ , and $\mathrm{SU}(3)$ lattice gauge theories, discussing explicit constructions, Trotterized Hamiltonian evolution, and gauge-invariant measurements on a quantum simulator. We also outline how packaged states can mitigate gauge-violating errors and serve as natural building blocks for gauge-invariant coding schemes, while noting that standard quantum error correction is still required against typical local noise that respects gauge symmetry.We develop a mathematical framework for the quantum simulation of lattice gauge theories using gauge-invariant packaged quantum states \cite{Ma2017,Ma2025}. In this formalism, every single excitation transforms as a complete \textbf{irreducible representation (irrep)} of the local gauge group, preventing any appearance of fractional or partial \textbf{internal quantum numbers (IQNs)}. Multi-particle excitations can form nontrivial packaged entangled states that are also gauge invariant, thereby forbidding partial or fractional IQNs. In other words, all IQNs of such packaged entangled states remain inseparably entangled. This ``packaging principle'' ensures that physical states remain confined to the correct gauge sector and excludes partial charges or colors, even when multiple excitations are entangled. We illustrate this approach for $\mathrm{U}(1)$, $\mathrm{SU}(2)$, and $\mathrm{SU}(3)$ lattice gauge theories, discussing explicit constructions, Trotterized Hamiltonian evolution, and gauge-invariant measurements on a quantum simulator. We also outline how packaged states can mitigate gauge-violating errors and serve as natural building blocks for gauge-invariant coding schemes, while noting that standard quantum error correction is still required against typical local noise that respects gauge symmetry.

arXiv:2502.14654Feb 20, 20250 citations

Propaq: A Python package for Heisenberg Propagation

Hrishikesh Belagali, Ryan LaRose

We introduce Propaq, a performant and flexible Python package implementing Heisenberg propagation techniques for classically simulating quantum circuits. Propaq is compatible with major quantum software packages like Qiskit and Cirq, and matches or outperforms similar state-of-the-art packages for Heisenberg propagation. Beyond this, Propaq has multiple distinguishing features for simulation and research. These include Heisenberg propagation in any basis, hybrid Schrödinger-Heisenberg simulation, custom truncation and noisy simulation methods, and detailed logging information for analyzing simulation accuracy, runtime, and memory usage. We describe these features, how to use Propaq for research, and its backend implementation.We introduce Propaq, a performant and flexible Python package implementing Heisenberg propagation techniques for classically simulating quantum circuits. Propaq is compatible with major quantum software packages like Qiskit and Cirq, and matches or outperforms similar state-of-the-art packages for Heisenberg propagation. Beyond this, Propaq has multiple distinguishing features for simulation and research. These include Heisenberg propagation in any basis, hybrid Schrödinger-Heisenberg simulation, custom truncation and noisy simulation methods, and detailed logging information for analyzing simulation accuracy, runtime, and memory usage. We describe these features, how to use Propaq for research, and its backend implementation.

quant-pharXiv:2609.07730Sep 8, 2026

\mathrm{U}(1)

\mathrm{SU}(2)

, and

\mathrm{SU}(3)

lattice gauge theories, discussing explicit constructions, Trotterized Hamiltonian evolution, and gauge-invariant measurements on a quantum simulator. We also outline how packaged states can mitigate gauge-violating errors and serve as natural building blocks for gauge-invariant coding schemes, while noting that standard quantum error correction is still required against typical local noise that respects gauge symmetry.