nuclear physics

Zohreh Davoudi is collaborating with experts in quantum computing technologies to ensure that the relevant problems in her fields of nuclear and particle physics are poised to reap the benefits when quantum simulations mature. Davoudi along with JQI Fellow Alexey Gorshkov and other colleagues proposed a quantum simulation that might be possible to implement soon. They proposal involves using superconducting circuits to simulate a simplified model of collisions between fundamental particles called quarks and mesons (which are themselves made of quarks and antiquarks).

In nuclear physics, like much of science, detailed theories alone aren’t always enough to unlock solid predictions. There are often too many pieces, interacting in complex ways, for researchers to follow the logic of a theory through to its end. But simulations have helped researchers explore many challenging questions. Now, quantum simulators (which exploit quantum effects like superposition and entanglement) promise to bring their power to bear on many problems that have refused to yield to simulations built atop classical computers—including problems in nuclear physics. But to run any simulation, quantum or otherwise, scientists must first determine how to faithfully represent their system of interest in their simulator. They must create a map between the two.