Quantum Simulation of Spin Models on an Arbitrary Lattice with Trapped Ions

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how to engineer arbitrary spin-spin interaction graphs in trapped ion systems using laser fields, enabling scalable quantum simulations of complex spin models beyond classical computational capabilities.

Contribution

It introduces a method to design laser fields for arbitrary multidimensional spin interactions in linear ion traps, expanding the scope of quantum simulation.

Findings

Arbitrary spin interaction graphs can be realized in linear ion traps.

The scheme is compatible with current trap technology.

It enables scalable quantum simulations of complex spin models.

Abstract

A collection of trapped atomic ions represents one of the most attractive platforms for the quantum simulation of interacting spin networks and quantum magnetism. Spin-dependent optical dipole forces applied to an ion crystal create long-range effective spin-spin interactions and allow the simulation of spin Hamiltonians that possess nontrivial phases and dynamics. Here we show how appropriate design of laser fields can provide for arbitrary multidimensional spin-spin interaction graphs even for the case of a linear spatial array of ions. This scheme uses currently existing trap technology and is scalable to levels where classical methods of simulation are intractable.