Particle Physics Seminar: Feasible Quantum Simulation of Lattice Gauge Theories

Abstract:

Quantum simulation (QS) is one of the methods that have been proposed and used in practice to bypass computational challenges in the investigation of lattice gauge theories (LGTs). However, this field comes with its own unique set of challenges such as requiring both Fermionic and Bosonic components, highly constrained Hilbert spaces, and continuous compact degrees of freedom. In this talk I will explain these challenges and discuss methods developed in our group to overcome them in different analog and digital scenarios. The focus will be on two concrete proposals: the first is a digital QS based on a theoretical procedure that eliminates the requirement to simulate Fermions. I will explain the procedure and show how we implemented a minimal proof-of-concept experimentally through the IBMQ platform. The second is an analog proposal for un-truncated lattice QED using arrays of Josephson junctions. Through these examples we will see how sometimes the very features that make LGTs challenging can be utilized to gain an advantage or to overcome another difficulty.

Seminar Organizer: Dr. Igor Korover