Relativistic quantum mechanics with trapped ions

TL;DR

This paper explores simulating relativistic quantum mechanics using trapped ions, covering scattering, magnetic effects, and particle interactions, to study fundamental physics phenomena in a controllable quantum system.

Contribution

It introduces methods for simulating complex relativistic quantum phenomena with trapped ions, including multi-particle interactions and topological effects, advancing quantum simulation capabilities.

Findings

Simulated bidimensional Dirac particle scattering with linear potentials.

Analyzed topological properties of Dirac particles in magnetic fields.

Studied coupled Dirac particles to model confinement and asymptotic freedom.

Abstract

We consider the quantum simulation of relativistic quantum mechanics, as described by the Dirac equation and classical potentials, in trapped-ion systems. We concentrate on three problems of growing complexity. First, we study the bidimensional relativistic scattering of single Dirac particles by a linear potential. Furthermore, we explore the case of a Dirac particle in a magnetic field and its topological properties. Finally, we analyze the problem of two Dirac particles that are coupled by a controllable and confining potential. The latter interaction may be useful to study important phenomena as the confinement and asymptotic freedom of quarks.