Nuclear physicists at the University of Washington developed a new framework to analyze how theoretical approximations influence quantum computers' representation of many-body systems required for simulations. The researchers demonstrated how adjusting simulation parameters can reduce the effect of such approximations. The study was published in the journal Physical Review A.
An artist’s impression of an analog quantum computer in which atoms are manipulated by lasers to simulate quantum many-body systems. Image Credit: Nikita Zemlevskiy, Henry Froland, and Stephan Caspar
The Science
Quantum many-body system simulations are a key objective in high-energy and nuclear physics. Systems with numerous minuscule particles interacting at the quantum mechanical level are known as many-body issues. Compared to simple two-particle systems, they are far more challenging to characterize. This implies that these issues cannot be replicated by even the most potent conventional computers.
This problem may be solved by quantum computing through a technique known as analog quantum simulation. Theoretical approximations of how quantum computers represent many-body systems are necessary for these simulations to be successful. Nuclear physicists created a new framework for this study to examine these approximations and reduce their impact.
The Impact
This approach offers a novel means to quantify uncertainties in analog quantum simulations of dynamic processes. More and more dependable and noise-resistant quantum computers are emerging. Researchers must comprehend and measure error sources, and how they affect analog quantum simulations to produce accurate forecasts. The methods created in this study can be applied by researchers to increase the accuracy of simulations in the future.
Summary
A highly controllable quantum system mimics the behavior of a more exotic system in an analog quantum simulation. Rydberg-atom quantum computers, which are scalable arrays of Rydberg atoms supporting a universal quantum gate set, are a prominent architecture for such simulations. Scientists expect analog quantum computers to offer short-term advantages in discovering new physics, thanks to their rapidly improving control.
For these simulations to be scientifically valuable, researchers need reliable theoretical approximations to accurately represent systems of interest on quantum computers. This is demonstrated through optimizations in spin models, which share key characteristics with nuclear interactions.
Funding
The Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics, and InQubator for Quantum Simulation (IQuS) through the Quantum Horizons: QIS Research and Innovation for Nuclear Science program, the DOE QuantISED program through the "Intersections of QIS and Theoretical Particle Physics" theory consortium at Fermilab, and the University of Washington's Department of Physics and College of Arts and Sciences provided partial support for this study.
Journal Reference:
Nikita, A, Z., et al. (2025) Optimization of algorithmic errors in analog quantum simulations. Physical Review A. doi.org/10.1103/physreva.109.052425