Quantum Simulation

Research Unit B: Quantum Simulation

The area of quantum simulation deals with new approaches to understanding and controlling complex quantum many-body systems on different time and energy scales, both in experiment and theory. Experiments, for example, aim at the preparation of the many-body wave function of problems that are hard or impossible to address with existing algorithms and computational resources. These problems can be relevant in diverse areas of science, from statistical physics, to condensed matter physics, chemistry, and high-energy physics (see RU-G) to classical optimization.

During the last decade, quantum simulations have become a central tool of modern quantum many-body physics, for instance in the understanding of strongly correlated systems, and in realizing new phases of matter not available in any naturally occurring system.

The degree of experimental control and purity is unique, enabling simulations that surpass even the most powerful classical computational resources and thereby achieving ‘quantum advantage’ with up to several hundreds of qubits.

The development of large scale and fully programmable analogue quantum simulators, central to this Research Unit, complements the development of digital quantum computers ( RU-C).

Highly efficient approximate algorithms have been developed for classical computers, giving control over both equilibrium and time-evolving many-body wave functions. Further development of these algorithms is now a global endeavour in quantum many-body physics. Due to their exquisite level of control, quantum simulations in experiment and theory interact by mutual certification of methods and conceptual guidance.

The unique combination of experimental and theoretical expertise in the Munich area will allow scientists in this unit to address key questions in many-body physics that are at the heart of the research field of quantum simulations. Based on a better understanding of entanglement, theory will improve the performance and range of the simulation algorithms and develop deeper conceptual insights into quantum many-body physics. It will also propose new protocols and implementations for quantum simulations. This will allow this research unit (RU-B) to maintain and extend its influence and visibility in the field of quantum simulation, positioning Munich as a global center of this interdisciplinary research field.