Quantum simulation of traversable wormhole spacetimes in a dc-SQUID array

TL;DR

This paper proposes an analog quantum simulator using a dc-SQUID array to mimic traversable wormhole spacetimes, enabling exploration of exotic spacetime geometries and phenomena like closed timelike curves.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method to simulate wormhole spacetimes in a quantum device, expanding the possibilities for studying quantum gravity phenomena experimentally.

Findings

Wormhole throat radius in the sub-mm range is achievable.

Modified spacetime allows for closed timelike curves.

Quantum phase fluctuations may mimic Hawking's chronology protection.

Abstract

We present an analog quantum simulator of spacetimes containing traversable wormholes. A suitable spatial dependence in the external bias of a dc-SQUID array mimics the propagation of light in a 1D wormhole background. The impedance of the array places severe limitations on the type of spacetime that we are able to implement. However, we find that wormhole throat radius in the sub-mm range are achievable. We show how to modify this spacetime in order to allow the existence of closed timelike curves. The quantum fluctuations of the phase associated to the finite array impedance might be seen as an analogue of Hawking's chronology protection mechanism.