Quantum and Classical Spin-Network Algorithms for q-Deformed Kogut-Susskind Gauge Theories

Treating the infinite-dimensional Hilbert space of non-Abelian gauge theories is an outstanding challenge for classical and quantum simulations. Here, we employ q-deformed Kogut-Susskind lattice gauge theories, obtained by deforming the defining symmetry algebra to a quantum group. In contrast to other formulations, this approach simultaneously provides a controlled regularization of the infinite-dimensional local Hilbert space while preserving essential symmetry-related properties. This enables the development of both quantum as well as quantum-inspired classical spin-network algorithms for q-deformed gauge theories. To be explicit, we focus on SU(2)_{k} gauge theories with k∈N that are controlled by the deformation parameter q=e^{2πi/(k+2)}, a root of unity, and converge to the standard SU(2) Kogut-Susskind model as k→∞. In particular, we demonstrate that this formulation is well suited for efficient tensor network representations by variational ground-state simulations in 2D, providing first evidence that the continuum limit can be reached with k=O(10). Finally, we develop a scalable quantum algorithm for Trotterized real-time evolution by analytically diagonalizing the SU(2)_{k} plaquette interactions. Our work gives a new perspective for the application of tensor network methods to high-energy physics and paves the way for quantum simulations of non-Abelian gauge theories far from equilibrium where no other methods are currently available.

Towards Quantum Computing Phase Diagrams of Gauge Theories with Thermal Pure Quantum States

The phase diagram of strong interactions in nature at finite temperature and chemical potential remains largely theoretically unexplored due to inadequacy of Monte-Carlo-based computational techniques in overcoming a sign problem. Quantum computing offers a sign-problem-free approach, but evaluating thermal expectation values is generally resource intensive on quantum computers. To facilitate thermodynamic studies of gauge theories, we propose a generalization of the thermal-pure-quantum-state formulation of statistical mechanics applied to constrained gauge-theory dynamics, and numerically demonstrate that the phase diagram of a simple low-dimensional gauge theory is robustly determined using this approach, including mapping a chiral phase transition in the model at finite temperature and chemical potential. Quantum algorithms, resource requirements, and algorithmic and hardware error analysis are further discussed to motivate future implementations. Thermal pure quantum states, therefore, may present a suitable candidate for efficient thermal simulations of gauge theories in the era of quantum computing.

Hardware Efficient Quantum Simulation of Non-Abelian Gauge Theories with Qudits on Rydberg Platforms

Non-Abelian gauge theories underlie our understanding of fundamental forces in nature, and developing tailored quantum hardware and algorithms to simulate them is an outstanding challenge in the rapidly evolving field of quantum simulation. Here we take an approach where gauge fields, discretized in spacetime, are represented by qudits and are time evolved in Trotter steps with multiqudit quantum gates. This maps naturally and hardware efficiently to an architecture based on Rydberg tweezer arrays, where long-lived internal atomic states represent qudits, and the required quantum gates are performed as holonomic operations supported by a Rydberg blockade mechanism. We illustrate our proposal for a minimal digitization of SU(2) gauge fields, demonstrating a significant reduction in circuit depth and gate errors in comparison to a traditional qubit-based approach, which puts simulations of non-Abelian gauge theories within reach of NISQ devices.

Improved Hamiltonians for Quantum Simulations of Gauge Theories

Quantum simulations of lattice gauge theories for the foreseeable future will be hampered by limited resources. The historical success of improved lattice actions in classical simulations strongly suggests that Hamiltonians with improved discretization errors will reduce quantum resources, i.e., require ≳2^{d} fewer qubits in quantum simulations for lattices with d-spatial dimensions. In this work, we consider O(a^{2})-improved Hamiltonians for pure gauge theories and design the corresponding quantum circuits for its real-time evolution in terms of primitive gates. An explicit demonstration for Z_{2} gauge theory is presented including exploratory tests using the ibm_perth device.

Quantum simulation of lattice gauge theories in more than one space dimension-requirements, challenges and methods

Over recent years, the relatively young field of quantum simulation of lattice gauge theories, aiming at implementing simulators of gauge theories with quantum platforms, has gone through a rapid development process. Nowadays, it is not only of interest to the quantum information and technology communities. It is also seen as a valid tool for tackling hard, non-perturbative gauge theory problems by particle and nuclear physicists. Along the theoretical progress, nowadays more and more experiments implementing such simulators are being reported, manifesting beautiful results, but mostly on [Formula: see text] dimensional physics. In this article, we review the essential ingredients and requirements of lattice gauge theories in more dimensions and discuss their meanings, the challenges they pose and how they could be dealt with, potentially aiming at the next steps of this field towards simulating challenging physical problems in analogue, or analogue-digital ways. This article is part of the theme issue 'Quantum technologies in particle physics'.

Qubit Regularization and Qubit Embedding Algebras

Qubit regularization is a procedure to regularize the infinite dimensional local Hilbert space of bosonic fields to a finite dimensional one, which is a crucial step when trying to simulate lattice quantum field theories on a quantum computer. When the qubit-regularized lattice quantum fields preserve important symmetries of the original theory, qubit regularization naturally enforces certain algebraic structures on these quantum fields. We introduce the concept of qubit embedding algebras (QEAs) to characterize this algebraic structure associated with a qubit regularization scheme. We show a systematic procedure to derive QEAs for the (N) lattice spin models and the SU(N) lattice gauge theories. While some of the QEAs we find were discovered earlier in the context of the D-theory approach, our method shows that QEAs are far richer. A more complete understanding of the QEAs could be helpful in recovering the fixed points of the desired quantum field theories.

Photon-Mediated Stroboscopic Quantum Simulation of a Z_{2} Lattice Gauge Theory

Quantum simulation of lattice gauge theories, aiming at tackling nonperturbative particle and condensed matter physics, has recently received a lot of interest and attention, resulting in many theoretical proposals as well as several experimental implementations. One of the current challenges is to go beyond 1+1 dimensions, where four-body (plaquette) interactions, not contained naturally in quantum simulating devices, appear. In this Letter, we propose a method to obtain them based on a combination of stroboscopic optical atomic control and the nonlocal photon-mediated interactions appearing in nanophotonic or cavity QED setups. We illustrate the method for a Z_{2} lattice gauge theory. We also show how to prepare the ground state and measure Wilson loops using state-of-the-art techniques in atomic physics.

Symmetry-Assisted Preparation of Entangled Many-Body States on a Quantum Computer

Starting from the quantum-phase-estimate (QPE) algorithm, a method is proposed to construct entangled states that describe correlated many-body systems on quantum computers. Using operators for which the discrete set of eigenvalues is known, the QPE approach is followed by measurements that serve as projectors on the entangled states. These states can then be used as inputs for further quantum or hybrid quantum-classical processing. When the operator is associated with a symmetry of the Hamiltonian, the approach can be seen as a quantum-computer formulation of symmetry breaking followed by symmetry restoration. The method, called discrete spectra assisted, is applied to superfluid systems. By using the blocking technique adapted to qubits, the full spectra of a pairing Hamiltonian is obtained.