Universal digital quantum simulation with trapped ions

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates digital quantum simulation using trapped ions, successfully simulating spin systems with high fidelity and providing evidence that scalable, full-control quantum simulators are feasible.

Contribution

It showcases the implementation of digital quantum simulation with trapped ions, including sequences of up to 100 gates and 6 qubits, and reproduces complex interactions beyond natural ones.

Findings

Simulated full spin system dynamics digitally with high accuracy

Reproduced interactions beyond natural system capabilities

Provided bounds on simulation quality and control requirements

Abstract

A digital quantum simulator is an envisioned quantum device that can be pro- grammed to efficiently simulate any other local system. We demonstrate and investigate the digital approach to quantum simulation in a system of trapped ions. Using sequences of up to 100 gates and 6 qubits, the full time dynamics of a range of spin systems are digitally simulated. Interactions beyond those naturally present in our simulator are accurately reproduced and quantitative bounds are provided for the overall simulation quality. Our results demon- strate the key principles of digital quantum simulation and provide evidence that the level of control required for a full-scale device is within reach.